More than 20 expat advocates named as Shanghai’s “International Experience Ambassadors” pose for a group photo on September 28, 2023 when Shanghai launched the “International Services Shanghai: A Guide to Shanghai for Expats” handbook. Photo: Courtesy of the organizer

Tailored to meet the daily needs of foreign residents living in Shanghai, the International Services Shanghai: A Guide to Shanghai for Expats handbook, was launched on Thursday in Shanghai to help expats enjoy life, travel and career as the city deepens opening-up while striving to become a modern international metropolis with a socialist identity and global influence.

Meanwhile, more than 20 expat advocates have been named "International Experience Ambassadors." They are the handbook's initial users and beneficiaries. They have been encouraged to provide useful input and ideas based on their specific experiences to improve the services and resources available to expats. Their perspectives and ideas are critical in transforming Shanghai into a warmer, more inviting and desirable global metropolis for all, said the organizer.

As Shanghai continues its journey of opening-up, an increasing number of expats are arriving to work, study and live in this city. "They have integrated into the fabric of Shanghai, becoming valued members of our community and making significant contributions to our city's development. The CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government attach great importance to service delivery to expats," Kong Fuan, director the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government and executive vice president of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries said during the event, introducing the background of the city's initiative to launch the book.

As far as the International Experience Ambassadors are concerned, Kong said that "your presence here today is both an honor and a responsibility. Shanghai is striving to become a modern international metropolis with a socialist identity and global influence. We hope that you can help us forge stronger connections with the broader foreign community so that their voices can be heard, concerns ad-dressed, and problems solved. We hope that you will serve as our foreign consult-ants and advisors as we continue to improve our services to expats."

The pocket manual is divided into four sections which are Shanghai Essentials with an overview of Shanghai, including important details such as the city's name; Living in Shanghai, introducing important administrative procedures, useful mobile apps, public transportation, housing, education, health care, emergency hotlines; Exploring Shanghai providing information on cultural venues, tourist information, bookstores, international exhibitions and events, shopping, Instagram-worthy sites and local specialties and Service Directory with an extensive list of useful websites, English-language hotlines and service organizations, ensuring that expat residents have access to critical services.

More than 40 expat representatives from all walks of life in the city attended the event and they praised that the style of the manual emphasizes pragmatism and simplicity. It has approximately 40 illustrations as well as an English version of the Metro map. Furthermore, the handbook contains 36 QR codes placed throughout its pages, which connect users to detailed service information and instruction, further improving the resident's experience in Shanghai.

"This handbook is very helpful to foreigners, especially in aspects such as restaurant recommendation, transportation, medical care, and libraries. In addition, the QR code inside can be scanned out, which is more convenient for foreigners," Egyptian Mahmoud Soliman, one of the international experience ambassadors, who is teaching at Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Justin O'Jack, chief representative for University of Virginia China office, said that "I will take some handbooks to my students as it's very useful and helpful."

The handbook's content and design were prepared after significant consultation with the foreign community, with participation from various expat residents whose views and suggestions were carefully reviewed and adopted, according to the organizer.

International Services Shanghai: A Guide to Shanghai for Expats is more than just a handbook; it demonstrates Shanghai's dedication to welcoming and helping its international community. It embodies the city's openness and inclusiveness, ensuring that expatriates have the resources they need to prosper in this bustling metropolis, according to the organizer.

The book was co-launched by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, in collaboration with the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Global Times