Shanghai-Pudong

If you want to see China 2000 years ago, visit Xi’an.  If you want to see China 300 years ago, visit Beijing.  If you want to experience the dynamics of the huge economic revolution in the last 10 years, visit Shanghai-Pudong.   China's economy was entirely state-controlled up until a decade ago.  The private sector economy has grown so rapidly in the past 10 years that the government has had a tough time keeping track of it.  The GDP growth of China has been more than 9% per year in the last decade, and is just reported at 11.4% for 2007.  Currently China accounts for 17% of total global economic growth, about the same as the U.S.  China is now the land of opportunity, with almost as many millionaires as Japan.  The number of billionaires grew from 15 to 106 in just the past year.  This huge economic transition brings many challenges to maintain a healthy environment and the welfare of the entire population. 
 
Pudong

Ever since the Chinese government declared the development of Pudong on April 18, 1990, Pudong has become the largest construction site in the world.  Beginning as farmland, Pudong is now one of the world's most modern cities of its size of 3 million people.  Visit its financial district and compare it with the one in Manhattan.  Visit Wal-Mart, KFC, Best Buys and Apple stores, and compare their consumer power with that in the U.S.  Observe the traffic lanes and traffic lights specially designed for bicycle riders.  All taxis are satellite controlled.  While Shanghai is the economic engine of China, Pudong is the economic engine of Shanghai.  The development of Pudong is nothing short of an economic miracle.  The Past President of France, Jacques Chirac, commented that the Great Wall and Grand Canal were brilliant chapters in the history of China.  Pudong starts a new chapter now.  For your pleasure, the conference banquet will be held in the Orient Pearl Tower, the icon of Pudong. 

Pudong International Airport

If you are from abroad, it is likely that you will be arriving at the Pudong International Airport, the largest in China.   It can be a long walk by following the normal route.  Wheel chairs for handicapped people or senior citizens are available for no charge.  You can order wheel chairs through your airline or a flying attendant.  In the meantime, enjoy Shanghai’s NO TIP system.
 
Airport Transportation

There are several ways you can get from the airport to where you want to go.  Here are a few of them:

    1. You may experience the world fastest train, the Maglev Train, 30 KM in 8 minutes from the airport to the Loyang Rd Station. From there you may take a taxi; or, if you do not mind the experience of wall to wall people, take subway #2 to the People’s Square Station.  It takes 3 minutes to walk from the Exit Door #6 or 7 to the hotel.

    2. You may take a taxi, a 40KM ride for about 130 Yuan ($18) by the meter.  On your way to the hotel, you may see the skyline of the financial district of Pudong, where you will find the world's tallest building and the Orient Pearl Towel.  Please be reminded that Shanghai has a NO TIP system.

     3. If you prefer limousine service but with a price of a taxi, you may order the DaZhong Taxi a few days prior to your arrival.  The driver will be waiting for you at Gate 10 just outside the luggage place.  The cost is the same as by taxi plus a parking fee for the car (about $5) while waiting for you.  You may order it by calling DaZhong Taxi Airport Service (8621) 6834-6941.  The ICCSC 2008 committee has used this service and recommends it.

     The alternative is to walk to DaZhong Taxi counter at Gate 1 (5 minutes walking from luggage place to the left).  The cost is the same as by taxi but you may have to wait for about 10 minutes in their lounge.  Please be reminded that Shanghai has a NO TIP system.