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How Shanghai is Making Life Easier for Foreigners
Shanghai, China's bustling metropolis, has seen a significant influx of foreign visitors in recent months. From January to April this year, nearly 1.9 million international tourists were welcomed, marking a 205% increase from last year, with over 1.23 million staying overnight—a 250% rise. The city has responded with innovative solutions to enhance the experience of these visitors, making it easier for them to navigate, enjoy, and immerse themselves in the local culture.
A key innovation is the introduction of the "Shanghai Pass," a multipurpose prepaid card launched on China Tourism Day, May 19th. The card simplifies small transactions and has already seen around 800 users since its release. It's accepted at major transport hubs like Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao airports, landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and various subway stations including People's Square and Xujiahui.
The "Shanghai Pass" covers an extensive range of services—public transport (buses, subways, taxis, ferries), cultural and tourist attractions (the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Huangpu River tours, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Natural Museum), and shopping at premier locations like First Food Hall. Moreover, the card is versatile, usable not only in Shanghai but also in over 330 cities across China, including Beijing, Xi'an, and Guilin.
The Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism has been proactive in catering to the needs of foreign tourists. For instance, Shanghai Museum has upgraded its services to include more convenient payment options and rental of guide devices, improving accessibility and ease for international visitors. The museum has also partnered with international platforms like Trip.com to offer ticketing and reservations for special exhibitions to tourists from 39 countries.
Furthermore, Shanghai's iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower has seen a 232% increase in international visitors since March this year. The site supports passport and permanent residence cardholders for bookings and entry, and has recently added bilingual signs throughout the venue to facilitate a smoother visit for non-Mandarin speakers. Promotions like free coffee or ice cream for "Shanghai Pass" holders add a welcoming touch.
For day-to-day transactions, Shanghai has significantly expanded its infrastructure to support international payment methods. By the end of this quarter, the city plans to increase the number of POS machines that accept foreign cards to 80,000. These are located in key areas including major shopping districts, airports, ferry terminals, subway stations, and tourist attractions, ensuring that foreign visitors can easily make payments.
The city's efforts don't stop at practical enhancements. The overall experience of visiting Shanghai is being constantly improved through partnerships with international travel organizations and the introduction of culturally rich and interactive tourism products aimed at attracting global visitors.
As Shanghai continues to develop its tourism infrastructure and services, the city not only welcomes more international visitors but also ensures they enjoy a seamless and enriching experience. With these initiatives, Shanghai is setting a benchmark for how cities can adapt to and thrive with a growing global audience.
Source: 新华社
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