What should I wear in Shanghai?

Question

I will be there from the 24th to 29th Dec but I am clueless about what to wear. What will the weather be like? Is thermal underwear necessary? Can I just wear a sweater over a t-shirt, jeans and a coat? And would shoes like ballet-styled flats be inappropriate? What about ordinary Converse sneakers?

Answer 1

Hi, the weather in Shanghai is cold, rainy and windy in winter.

So, I'd suggest that you wear water-proof shoes so that you don't end up walking around uncomfortably with wet shoes, socks and feet. On appropriateness, ballet style flats and converse sneakers are fine for wherever you intend to visit on non-rainy days -- can't think of any places where they'll be offensive. Just make sure you wear some socks with them to combat the cold.

It also depends on how much cold you are able to take. If you come from a tropical climate, then yes, thermal underwear is important. Or you need to wear more layers than just a sweater over a T-shirt and coat. Especially if you are going to be walking about in the open.

And bring a brolly, just in case.

Answer 2

It's likely to be cold, maybe not freezing but there already days with piercing winds so bring warm clothes with you. Thermal underwear will probably not be necessary but if you feel cold quickly you can take it anyway.

Also bring a coat that can stand rain. Umbrellas though are easily available here. Once it starts raining the sellers pop up from everywhere and it will set you back a max of 20 Rmb, don't forget to haggle a bit:)

Bring some strong shoes, sneakers or maybe something stronger should be okay. There's a lot of road/sidewalk construction going on so you'll find yourself walking through sand at times.

Have a great time, eventhough China doesn't officially recognize X-mas as a holiday you can't avoid the trees, the jingle bells and the songs at the moment. The city looks quite nice with all the lights in the trees.

For more information you can start surfing at http://shanghai.mychinastart.com/

Answer 3

Pack for winter! Thermal underwear not a bad idea. Central heating is not necessarily a given in hotels. Aircon is though! Flat shoes are not an issue. Shanghai is one of the most cosmopolitan and westernised cities in the world. You can wear anything you want! Just don't walk around the streets naked - you will freeze! :p

Answer 4

Fashion wise, you can wear just about anything you like in Shanghai. But to be practical, wear water proof shoes that are comfortable. The temp will be low and possiblity wet. So dress accordingly and carry an umbrella or rain coat.

Answer 5

temperature can be 2 c in few days.. so keep cloths with you and thermal under ware you can keep as well.. day is sunny but can be raining also... so do the necessary arrangements as advance.

Answer 6

Its pretty cold right now about freezing suggest you bring an
overcoat. Boots would be preferable. About 5 deg. Celcius
during X'mas.