CultureShock! Shanghai is the complete guide for those who are trying to get a handle on China’s glittering crown jewel that is both charmingly ancient yet stunningly ultra-modern. Can you tell your xiaolongbao from your xiaolongxia? What is this nebulous concept called guan xi? Is being called a laowai a pejorative? Boasting some of the world’s tallest buildings, largest businesses, longest bridges, fastest trains and elevators, and finest restaurants, Shanghai is a megacity and world-class financial centre that may well be the world’s first cashless society, but it also has cosy streets filled with napping bicyclists, dancers in full costume and seniors with bird cages. With impressive light shows, backlit freeways and luminous skylines, Shanghai is truly a city of light. Get the most out of your stay with this guide to the Asian metropolis par excellence. The Series CultureShock! is a dynamic, indispensable series of guides for travellers looking to truly understand the countries they are visiting, working in or moving to. Each title explains the country’s customs, traditions and social and business etiquette in a lively, informative style. CultureShock! authors, all of whom have experienced the joys and pitfalls of cultural adaptation, are ideally placed to provide warm and helpful advice to those who seek to integrate seamlessly into diverse cultures.

CultureShock! China is an essential read for anyone intending to live or work in the world's fastest-rising economic powerhouse, the People's Republic of China. This book guides you through settling in and socialising, from choosing your accommodation and employing an ayi, to finding good restaurants and enjoying China's varied and exquisite cuisine. Get first-hand knowledge about working in China and about the Chinese language. Learn about this beautiful country's 5,000 years of rich history and visit the spectacular splendour of its mountains and rivers which contrasts with the towering skylines of metropolitan cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Be enlightened on Chinese culture and discover how the people balance traditions and customs with modernity. Filled with practical information, CultureShock! China is a must-have guide that will equip you with the confidence to try out everything in this exciting country.