ABOUT SHANGHAI

The famous Bund was the "British Public Park", reminding of Shanghai's days of decadence. The Japanese and the French Concessions too, are fascinating areas to explore. The French Quarter is a particularly charming district to wander, and there are many former residences to look at and discover something about old Shanghai and the people who lived here.

The area known as the "Chinese City" is also worth visiting. Take a break from the tourists around the Yuyuan and do some serious antique shopping or just wander amidst the old alleys and streets.

Shanghai is a spectacularly modern city. The pace of development here is unbelievable. The newest area of the city, Pudong, has just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Two of the most impressive city structures can be found here, the Jinmao Tower and the Oriental TV Tower.

For any visitor to China, perhaps the most attractive thing about this city is just how fashionable it is. Museums, galleries, restaurants and bars have emerged in the past few years. The heydays of the 1920s and 30s and the newfound wealth in the city are making Shanghai a place with a fabulous and optimistic style and attitude.

IC Industry

China IC industry has become a focus of the global semiconductor industry. Thanks to the huge market demand, low production cost, rich human resource, stable economic development, and favorable government policies, China IC industry has achieved a rapid development in recent years.
Presently, the production bases of notebook PC, digital camera, and other IT products are
shifting to China in a large scale. China has become a global production base of IT products. As
advantages still exist in terms of production such as skilled workers, R&D talents, land, and
capital etc, China will still be the first choice of foreign investment in the new round of shifting ofthe global manufacturing industry.

Shanghai owns a good environment and accumulates rich talents of microelectronics field, which
attracts more and more enterprises to invest. It has become the center of China IC industry.

Climate

Shanghai's weather is moderate (annual average temperature is about 15 degrees centigrade) and the seasons are not as distinct as in the North. The "Plum Flower Rain" season (frequent light rain) is from mid-June to early July. It seldom snows in Shanghai. July and August are Shanghai's hottest months.It is best to go prepared with light clothing in summer and warm clothing in winter. Also, always prepare for rain by keeping an umbrella!
The monthly average temperature in March is 10.5o Celsius (50.9F). The average low temperature in early March is about 1.9o C (35.4F) and the high mid March is about 23.8o C (74.8F)

Language

The official language of 2005 SEMI-ECS ISTC is English. Staff in most tourist hotels and airport and shop assistants in big shopping centers can speak English.

Electricity

The electric current used in China is 220V 50Hz. The hotels can provide 220V and 110V (shavers only) power outlets. Please note that plug adapters may be necessary.

Banking

Most banks are open from 9:00 to 17:00. The ATM machine is in operation 24 hours.