Current Time in Shanghai, China
上海
Exact time synced with atomic clocks (IANA + NTP)
Country
中国
Dialling: +86
City Details
Shanghai
上海
Lat: 31.2304° N
Long: 121.4737° E
Population: 26,320,000
Time Zone
Asia/Shanghai
GMT+8
Public Holidays
Dragon Boat Festival
Jun 19in 30dMid-Autumn Festival
Sep 25in 128dNational Day
Oct 1in 134d
Time Difference
Business Hours
Daylight Cycle
Data via sunrisesunset.io
Current Weather
Data via Open-Meteo · Updates every 30 min
Overview
Shanghai is China's largest city and its commercial engine, with an urban population of around 29.5 million as of 2025. It is the world's busiest container port and home to more Fortune Global 500 company offices than any other Chinese city, with a skyline along the Huangpu River that is one of the most recognised in the world.
Administrative Region
Shanghai Municipality (direct-controlled)
CN-SH
Local Currency
¥
Technical Assets
- Web Domain.cn
- ISO CodeCN-SH
Secure Identifier Profile
Culture & Daily Life
📜 History & Origins
Founded as a county seat under the Yuan Dynasty in 1292, Shanghai's modern character was shaped after the 1842 Treaty of Nanjing, which ended the First Opium War and opened the city to foreign trade. The famous International Settlement and French Concession established Shanghai as East Asia's leading commercial port through the early 20th century.
🗣️ Languages
👥 Demographics
✨ Leisure Highlights
- /The Bund waterfront promenade
- /Shanghai Tower observation deck (632m, world's second tallest)
- /Yu Garden and the Old City bazaar
- /French Concession architecture and dining
- /Shanghai Disney Resort
🎒 Visitor Tip
Walk The Bund at night for the full skyline effect — it is completely free. Cross to Pudong via the tourist ferry rather than the metro for better views. The metro system is excellent and cheap; most signs and machines are in English. Avoid peak Golden Week holidays in early October if you can.
Geography & Climate
Land & Terrain
Surface area and physical characteristics
Almost entirely flat alluvial delta plain, averaging just 2–4m above sea level. The city sits on the Yangtze River Delta at the confluence of the Huangpu and Suzhou rivers. The Huangpu bisects the city into historic Puxi (west) and modern Pudong (east). No significant hills except in the far southwest.
Climate Stats
Humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa)
Avg Summer
27°C
Avg Winter
4°C
Annual Rainfall
1166 mm
Best Months (Sunshine)
Travel & Connectivity
✈️ Nearby AirportsIATA / DISTANCE
🚄 Rail ConnectionsCITY / DISTANCE
Regional Satellites
Other times compared to Shanghai
Frequently Asked Questions about time in Shanghai
What timezone is Shanghai in?↓
Shanghai is in the Asia/Shanghai time zone (Asia/Shanghai), currently UTCGMT+8.
Does China observe daylight saving time?↓
No. China does not observe daylight saving time. Shanghai stays on CST (UTCGMT+8) year-round, so the clocks never change.
What is CST?↓
CST stands for Asia/Shanghai. It is UTCGMT+8 and is the standard time used in China.
How many hours ahead is Shanghai compared to London?↓
Shanghai is 8 hours ahead of London (GMT). During UK summer (BST), the difference reduces by 1 hour to 7 hours.
What is the time difference between Shanghai and New York?↓
Shanghai is 13 hours ahead of New York (EST). When New York switches to EDT in summer, the difference decreases by 1 hour.
How accurate is the time shown for Shanghai?↓
The time displayed for Shanghai is synced with atomic clock sources via NTP (Network Time Protocol) and uses IANA timezone data to ensure accuracy to the second. It automatically reflects any daylight saving time changes.
What does UTCGMT+8 mean for Shanghai?↓
UTCGMT+8 means Shanghai is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the global standard for timekeeping.
What are the business hours in Shanghai?↓
Standard business hours in Shanghai are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM CST (UTCGMT+8). Many businesses also operate Saturday mornings. Public holidays follow the China national calendar.
What is the best time to call Shanghai from London?↓
The best overlap for a call between London and Shanghai is typically early morning in London (8–10 AM GMT), which corresponds to late afternoon or evening in Shanghai. Always check the current time before calling to avoid unsociable hours.