Getting Around
Taxis are plentiful and comparatively cheap in both Hangzhou and Shanghai, although trips to distant parts of Shanghai or the airport can add up if taken frequently. Taxis can be hailed from the curb of most any street in Shanghai and in Hangzhou. They can also be ordered by telephone.
In Shanghai there is a relatively good underground subway system which provides access to the central portion of the metropolis. It is not such a user friendly system for English language speakers, but can be figured out with a little work. There is no working subway system in Hangzhou.
A comprehensive network of bus routes provides access to all areas of the city, in both Hangzhou and Shanghai however again, not so user friendly for English speakers. Buses are a very popular source of transport for local citizens, and are extremely crowded, and can be very uncomfortable.
One of the best ways to get around is by bicycle. Bicycles can be purchased for little expense, and provide a great way to see many parts of the city that would be missed through other means of transport. Hangzhou and Shanghai are virtually flat, so riding a bicycle does not require negotiating hills, however it does require negotiating dense vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
School-Age Dependants
For those with school-age dependents, please complete a student application (includes a checklist of the information needed such as school records, immunization records, letters of recommendation, etc). SCIS and HIS have limited services for children with special needs and cannot enroll children with severe allergies. Dependent children must be able to pass the enrollment requirements as set by the admission committee. Please contact admission@scischina.org as soon as possible for enrolling your child.
Pets
Although pets are becoming increasingly more common in China, bringing pets is not recommended. A good resource for bringing pets to Shanghai can be found here:
http://www.entershanghai.info/country/Ci_17_set.htm