Shanghai, called "Hu" for short, is a bustling metropolis located at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Connected with Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces in the west, the city is exposed to the East China Sea in the east of China. With a total area of 6,341 square kilometers, and a population of more than 18 million, Shanghai takes its place among the world's biggest, most booming urban areas.

Shanghai is well known in the world not only for its prosperous cosmopolitan feature but also for its rich humanistic resources. In recent years, a number of modem buildings have been added to the city, such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Library, Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai Grand Theatre, Shanghai Circus City, Shanghai City-Planning Exhibition Hall and Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai Science & Technology Museum. They have become new scenic sights in Shanghai.

As an international metropolis for exchange with countries in the world, Shanghai has made it known to the world for its thrive, transport facilities, the convergence of Chinese and West cultures, rich cultural resources, diversified stage performances from various parts of China and the world, concentration of the food with different local tastes. Shanghai serves as a China 's important transportation hub linking all parts of China, as well as a window through which the overseas tourists know the society of the modern and contemporary in China .

Climate & Clothing

Shanghai enjoys a delightful climate with four distinct seasons. Annual temperatures average 16℃ and annual rainfall averages 1200 millimeters. However, spring and autumn, with their moderate temperate, are the best times to visit Shanghai. In autumn, long-sleeved shirts, sweater and coat are necessary.

Average Data	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High (C)	9	10	14	20	25	29	33	33	29	24	18	12
Average Low (C)	-1	0	4	9	14	19	23	23	19	13	8	2
Rain (mm)	45	60	80	90	110	160	140	140	<5	55	50	40

An official letter of invitation will be sent to any registrant upon request. However, this invitation implies no obligation for visa. 

Visa Application

All visitors to the P.R. China must have a valid passport and visa. Visitors with roundtrip tickets from countries who have a special agreement with China may be exempt from the visa requirement, and can stay in China visa-free for periods up to 15 days, or 30 days, depending on the type of agreement between two countries. When uncertain as to the requirement for entry visa to China, please contact the Chinan embassy or a consulate as early as possible. If you are in need of an individual invitation to the APCE & APLOC 2009, please contact to the secretariat. However, this invitation implies no obligation for visa. For more information, please visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. (http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/default.htm)