Shanghai lies on the eastern coast of China, serving as the nation's pre-eminent hub of finance, trade, shipping, and economic vitality. As a global gateway connecting China with the wider world, this international metropolis of over 24 million inhabitants captivates visitors with its remarkable duality—where the classical gardens of the Ming dynasty stand harmoniously alongside the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui, and where century-old shikumen lane houses nestle beside cosmopolitan shopping boulevards.

The congress will take place in Zhangjiang Science City, situated in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai. Originally established in 1992 as the Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, this 94-square-kilometre precinct has evolved into the flagship centre of Shanghai's ambition to become a world-leading hub of scientific and technological innovation.

Zhangjiang Science City hosts a remarkable concentration of national research institutes, major scientific infrastructure facilities, and the regional headquarters and R&D centres of numerous multinational corporations. It exerts global influence across three pillar industries—integrated circuits, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence—and is home to over 18,000 enterprises. Many international scientists regard Zhangjiang as a premier destination for research, describing it as a dynamic network of interconnected research institutions.

Beyond its scientific vigour, the district offers an increasingly liveable environment. Parks and green spaces are woven throughout the cityscape, while Metro Lines 2 and 13 provide convenient connections. Delegates may find respite from the academic programme by strolling along the landscaped waterfronts and innovation greenspaces, absorbing the distinctive energy of this city of science.

Late October finds Shanghai in the full splendour of autumn—a season of crisp, clear days and mild temperatures, widely regarded as the most pleasant time of year to visit.

Temperature Overview:

• Average daytime high: approximately 23°C
• Average nighttime low: approximately 15°C
• Average monthly rainfall: approximately 57mm, with generally low precipitation

Attire Recommendations:

• Daytime: light garments such as cotton shirts, thin T-shirts, or breathable dresses
• Evening: a light jacket, trench coat, blazer, or thin sweater for added warmth
• We recommend carrying a versatile layer to accommodate the temperature drop between day and night

The autumn air tends to be dry, so we suggest keeping well hydrated. Rainfall is infrequent during late October, making it an ideal time for outdoor exploration.

Situated in the heart of Pudong, Zhangjiang Science City enjoys excellent transport links to Shanghai's major gateways and city centre.

• Pudong International Airport (PVG): approximately 40–45 minutes via Metro Line 2 (direct), or 30–35 minutes by car.
• Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) / Hongqiao Railway Station: approximately 60–70 minutes via Metro Line 2.
• Lujiazui Financial District (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower): approximately 30–35 minutes from Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Station via Metro Line 2.

The Bund remains Shanghai's most enduring emblem—a sweeping promenade along the Huangpu River, where a majestic procession of historic buildings faces the futuristic towers of Lujiazui across the water. It is the quintessential vantage point from which to appreciate the city's celebrated dialogue between tradition and modernity.

Yuyuan Garden serves as a cherished window into Chinese culture for international visitors, its zigzag bridges, classical pavilions, and bustling bazaar of street-food stalls creating an immersive encounter with the city's living heritage. From within the garden, one may simultaneously glimpse the ornate roofs of Ming-dynasty architecture and the soaring silhouette of the Shanghai Tower—a visual juxtaposition that lingers in the memory.

In recent years, the South Bund Fabric Market has gained remarkable popularity among overseas travellers, ranking second only to the Bund on Tripadvisor's list of Shanghai's must-visit attractions. Renowned for its exceptionally affordable custom-tailored suits and qipao, the market draws approximately 60% of its clientele from abroad.

For those with a taste for contemporary art, M50 Creative Park—the best-preserved former textile industrial complex along the Suzhou Creek—now houses a vibrant cluster of galleries, offering a compelling window into Shanghai's artistic pulse. Meanwhile, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town offers a delightful escape into the water-town landscapes of Jiangnan, with its canals, stone bridges, and whitewashed courtyard houses evoking the timeless beauty of classical China, all within an hour's journey from the city centre.

Shanghai Disney Resort, also located in Pudong New Area, lies approximately 8.5 to 12 kilometres from Zhangjiang Science City—a journey of roughly 15 to 20 minutes by car.

In the immediate vicinity of Zhangjiang, delegates may also visit the Shanghai Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Shanghai Integrated Circuit Science and Technology Museum, where the realms of heritage and cutting-edge innovation converge.

Shanghai is a gastronomic paradise. From the rich, caramelised flavours of Benbang cuisine to the delicate artistry of Jiangnan pastries, and from authentic regional Chinese specialities to an ever-expanding array of international fine dining—the city's culinary landscape is as diverse as it is delightful.

For shopping, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street remains the city's premier retail destination, while the CIIE Marketplace features dedicated international pavilions including a New Zealand-themed hall. Wukang Road, with its historic lane-house architecture, offers a more intimate shopping experience, hosting a curated mix of international pop-up boutiques and original Chinese designer stores.

Within Zhangjiang Science City, delegates will find a wide range of dining options, particularly around the Jin Ke Road business district, where a variety of lunch choices cater to the area's professional community.

Shanghai is served by two major international airports—Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)—connecting the city to destinations across the globe. The city's metro system, one of the most extensive and efficient in the world, provides comprehensive coverage across the metropolitan area.

From Zhangjiang, Metro Line 2 is the principal artery, linking Pudong International Airport, Hongqiao, Lujiazui, People's Square, and Nanjing Road—effectively traversing the entire breadth of the city.

International visitors may download the English version of the Suishenxing mobile application (SH MaaS), which integrates bus, metro, airport lines, maglev, ferry, taxi, and bike-sharing services. The app supports registration with overseas mobile numbers and offers a unified QR-code payment system for public transport. Multi-day Joint Travel Passes (1-day, 3-day, and 7-day options) are also available, granting unlimited rides on metro, bus, and ferry within their validity period.

Shanghai has earned its reputation among international travellers as the premier gateway to China. We trust that your time here will be as enriching beyond the conference halls as it is within them, and we look forward to welcoming you to this extraordinary city.