Yi wu Fair Shanghai to Yi wu Transfer Car Rental-Cheap Hot

From Shanghai to Yiwu

1) By Train

Many of our customers will choose Shanghai as their first destination in China. So the question is : how can I  get to Shanghai train station from Shanghai airport?

The answer is: If you are in Shanghai Pudong Airport(PVG),you can take airport shuttle bus line 7 (07:00-23:00) to Shanghai South Railway Station, (around 110 minutes), then take a train to yiwu direct.(2.5-4 hours). In Shanghai, there are aout 50 trains to Yiwu everyday. The train ticket price is 47RMB-98RMB. We recommend D train (Bullet Train) and T train (almost as fast as D Train), others may take more than 3 hours, and may not as comfortable as the D Train and T Train. If you are in Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, you can take Metro Line 2 in terminal 2 to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, only one stop. If you don't want take the metro, you can also go there on foot, only 15 minutes walking distance. If you are in Terminal 1, you can take Metro line 10 to Hongqiao railway station, only two stops.

2) By Bus

There are two buses to Yiwu everyday in Shanghai Pudong Airport.The schedule is 11:30,17:10, the ticket price is 180RMB, and it may take 4 hours. The ticket office is in terminal 1, arriving hall. If you can't catch the two buses, you can also take airport shuttle bus line 7 to Shanghai South Railway Station, and then go to Shanghai South Long-distance bus station. The train station and bus station are almost next to each other, only a few minutes walking distance.The last bus to Yiwu is 19:32.

3) By Taxi

We can arrange a car to pick you up at Shanghai Pudong Airport, the fee is 1300RMB.
Contact  shanghaitransfers@fastservice.com  + 86 1300, 4597, 814

 Go to yiwu by taxi, the fee will be charge by meter. Normally it will cost you about 1600RMB.

About Yiwu Fair

Trade fairs are organized in Yiwu every year since 1995. It’s been many years and since then it has seen tremendous growth in commodity industry. Annual fair is held in the month of October in Yiwu, located in Zhejiang province in China. Millions of visitors from all over the world flock in Yiwu to be a part of the biggest small commodities fair in the world.

Yiwu fair

is organized on a huge scale to cater world’s business community. People strike the best deals during this most competitive fair. In 2002 Yiwu fair was upgraded to International commodities fair. The event is organized and sponsored jointly by Ministry of Commerce, Zhejiang Provincial Peoples Government and other relevant authorities.

There are excellent opportunities to get the required products at their lowest price and the quality of the products is guaranteed. With a wide variety of products, Yiwu fair serves the right opportunity to wholesalers, retailers and even tourists to avail maximum benefit. High quality products were never so cost-effective. But as the manufacturers have their own outlets here; price of products is relatively very low.

The exhibition centre is spread over 120,000 Square Meters area and has the capacity to accommodate nearly 5000 booths. Yiwu city becomes vibrant and enthralling during fairs with numerous visitors from all over the world. Whether it is hotels, transportation or markets, the city has world-class infrastructure to meet the international standards.

Excellent services and security provisions make it one of the largest, most influential and most productive commodities fairs in China.Yiwu trade fair has become the third largest exhibition sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, ranking only next to the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou and the East China Fair in Shanghai.

Shanghai Car Rental, Suzhou Travel, Shanghai Travel, Pudong Airport Taxi Changshu Car, Yiwu Transfer, City Guide

Our company offers cheap & reliable service in shanghai car rental & suzhou car hire market. Our service scope includes airport pick-up and drop-off, intercity transfer, tour package, English-speaking guide, car roadshow and car leasing for enterprises, government, social units and individuals.

shanghaitransfers(at)fastservice.com +86 130, 0459, 7814 7-Seat Buick GL8 + Driver place near Pudong Airport =--= place near Hongqiao Airport (service time between 7pm~9pm) one-way trip 350RMB round trip 500RMB Shanghai Airport to the following districts with 5-seat car + driver Pudong Airport =--= Hongkou District 250RMB Pudong Airport =--= Yangpu District 300RMB Pudong Airport =--= Putuo District 350RMB Pudong Airport =--= Hongqiao Airport 300RMB Hongqiao Airport =--= Yangpu District 200RMB Hongqiao Airport =--= Hongkou District 200RMB Hongqiao Airport =--= Putuo District 200RMB Email us to get prices for other districts Suzhou =-= Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Buick Lacrosse/Passat 350RMB Buick Business 7seats 600RMB Suzhou =-= Shanghai Pudong Airport Buick Lacrosse/Passat 450RMB Buick Business 7seats 700RMB Suzhou =-= Wuxi Airport Buick LaCrosse/Passat 250RMB Buick Business 7seats 450RMB Shanghai Pudong Airport =-= Wuxi Nissan/Passat 5-seat 600RMB Shanghai Hongqiao Airport =-= Wuxi Nissan/Passat 5-seat 500RMB Shanghai to Water Town Transfer 5-seat sedan + driver Shanghai--Xitang 600RMB Shanghai--Wuzhen 750RMB Shanghai--Luzhi 500RMB Shanghai--Zhouzhuang 500RMB shanghai--Tongli 550RMB Day Trip in Suzhou Buick Lacrosse/Passat 500RMB/8HOURS/100KM Buick Business 7seats 650RMB/8HOURS/100KM Day Trip in Wuxi Buick Lacrosse/Passat 500RMB/8HOURS/100KM Buick Business 7seats 650RMB/8HOURS/100KM Day Trip in Shanghai Buick Lacrosse/Passat 550RMB/8HOURS/100KM Buick Business 7seats 700RMB/8HOURS/100KM Spcial Offer (Valid from 05/04/2013 to 30/09/2013): Weekend only Day Trip in Shanghai 5-seat Passat Sedan + Driver 450RMB/9HOURS/100KM Location Transfers Suzhou -- Shanghai downtown, Wuxi, Kunshan, Jiangyin, Taicang, Nanjing, Nantong, Changzhou etc. Please email or call us to get the competitive quotation to the above locations. Above Rates include driver, fuel, road toll, bridge toll, parking fees and insurance. Rates vary due to service time & locations so please confirm rates with our staff.

Shanghai Airlines Introduction

Brief Introduction

Coming into existence in 1985, Shanghai Airlines aims at building itself into one of the best corporation which will become first choice for customers and of international standard. Its staff and aircrafts have made it one of the most advanced airlines corporation in China. Until now, it has had 48 aircrafts including Boeing 737, 757, 767, CJR, HAWKER, MD-11 which flies to over 60 city both home and abroad. The cargo service also features in rapid development. Thanks to the introduction of MD-11 cargo aircraft, cargo capacity has been greatly enhanced. Besides, cargo courses merely for cargo purposes to German, Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, Hong Kong and Macau have been opened. The logo of Shanghai Airlines is a white crane adorning the red tail (of an aircraft)-shaped board. Its figurative meaning is that Shandong Airlines will make improvement despite all the difficulties safely and indomitably.

International Services Operated by Shanghai Airlines
Country     Short form     City
The Kingdom of Cambodia     Cambodia     Phnom Penh
Japan     Japan     Osaka, Toyama
The Republic of Korea     Korea     Seoul
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam     Vietnam     Ho Chi Minh City
The Kingdom of Thailand     Thailand     Phuket

Note: Shanghai Airlines operates scheduled flights to Macau and Hong Kong.

Specialty Services

Hotel Booking

If a hotel room is needed, you just need to choose the region, price and standard. After arriving at your destination, you could directly check in.

Weather Report
Customer services of Shanghai Airlines provide weather report of destination cities for you which will facilitate your preparation of the journey.

1. Elder-Care Service (in destinations of Shanghai Airlines)

To make the journey of elder passengers more comfortable, Shanghai Airlines has spare special efforts on how to show every possible consideration for the elder passengers.

2. Child-care Services

If your child is five to twelve years old and has to travel alone, you could phone 8006 208888 on this service. Under this service, your children will be under special care by the stewards during the whole journey.

Customer Services

24-hour airline hotline: 10105858

Cheap Airport Car Service

Shanghai Car Rent Shanghai Pudong Airport Car Hire Service Shanghai Transport

shanghaitransfers（at)fastservice.com

Airport Transfer

Shanghai Airport to the following districts with 5-seat car + driver
Pudong  Airport =--= Hongkou  District   250RMB
Pudong  Airport =--= Yangpu  District    300RMB
Pudong  Airport =--= Putuo  District     350RMB
Pudong  Airport =--= Hongqiao Airport    300RMB
Hongqiao Airport =--= Yangpu  District   200RMB
Hongqiao Airport =--= Hongkou  District  200RMB
Hongqiao Airport =--= Putuo  District    200RMB


Suzhou =-= Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
Buick Lacrosse/Passat 350RMB     Buick Business 7seats 600RMB

Suzhou =-= Shanghai Pudong Airport
Buick Lacrosse/Passat 500RMB     Buick Business 7seats 700RMB

Suzhou =-= Wuxi Airport
Buick LaCrosse/Passat 250RMB     Buick Business 7seats 450RMB

Shanghai to Water Town Transfer

5-seat sedan + driver
Shanghai--Xitang          600RMB
Shanghai--Wuzhen          750RMB
Shanghai--Luzhi           500RMB
Shanghai--Zhouzhuang      500RMB
shanghai--Tongli          550RMB

If you want a round trip, pay 200RMB more.
If you rent during weekend, the price can be lower.

Day Trip in Shanghai

Buick Lacrosse/Passat 550RMB/8HOURS/100KM    Buick Business 7seats 700RMB/8HOURS/100KM

Spcial Offer (Valid from 05/04/2013 to 30/09/2013): Weekend only  

Day Trip in Shanghai 5-seat Passat Sedan + Driver  450RMB/9HOURS/100KM

Day Trip in Suzhou

Buick Lacrosse/Passat 500RMB/8HOURS/100KM  Buick Business 7seats 650RMB/8HOURS/100KM

Location Transfers

Suzhou -- Shanghai downtown, Wuxi, Kunshan, Jiangyin, Taicang, Nanjing, Nantong, Changzhou etc.


Above Rates include driver, fuel, road toll, bridge toll, parking fees and insurance.

Please confirm the rates with our staff if the service should be rendered during 22:00~ 06:00/Chinese holidays and you have additional requirements.

Payment: Pay directly to Driver on site 
 

Best Shanghai Top Hotels near the Bund-Smart Choice

5 star hotels near the bund Shanghai

Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel Shanghai

595 Jiu Jiang Road Shanghai 200001

Blending utmost comfort, cozy atmosphere and impeccable service, this property welcomes you for an unforgettable holiday in Shanghai.

Location
Located in the heart of the financial district, the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel Shanghai is easily accessible from the shopping and entertainment centres, while the Pudong International Airport is 56 kilometres away. The Shanghai Museum, City God Temple as well as the Shanghai Grand Theater are the major attractions in Shanghai.

Rooms
This property offers 358 beautifully decorated guestrooms that have been elegantly furnished with an array of contemporary amenities to satisfy the needs of discerning travellers.

Restaurant
Start off your day with a scrumptious Continental breakfast served at the hotel. The San Rafael Restaurant serves down to earth Californian style food as well as an extensive range of wines from America's famous vineyards. The Century Deli offers a daily fresh selection of cakes, pastries as well as the finest selection of teas, coffee and refreshing drinks.

General
Guests travelling on business purpose can make use of the 7 well-equipped meeting rooms for organising various important events. The on-site recreational facilities include a well-equipped gymnasium, swimming pool, whirlpool as well as a sauna.

Additional Information

·  11.08 km to Shanghai South Railway Station (take Metro Line 1 to People's Square, Exit 14 )

·  17.5 km to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Terminal 1 (take Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road, Exit 4)

·  56 km to the International Airport (Pudong)

·  1 min by foot to NanJing Road

·  5 min by foot to Bund

Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai

282 Huaihai Road Central Luwan District Shanghai 200021

Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai offers a savvy alternative for hotel rooms with luxurious contemporary apartments set in an enviable city location. Visitors at this Shanghai property places guests less than three kilometres from Shanghai International Conference Center. Tourists should not miss a trip to must-see walking sites like Old French Concession, Taikang Road, Zhongshan Road and People's Square. Visitors can also check out Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Art Museum.

Location
Ascott Huai Hai Road is on Luwan District, near Xintiandi entertainment district in Shanghai. While in this part of China, vacationers can stop by Shanghai Confucian Temple and Jade Buddha Temple or stroll along Shanghai Botanical Garden.

Rooms
The elegant serviced apartments have air conditioning, private bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, microwave oven, refrigerator, hairdryer, electronic safe, satellite/cable LCD TV and iron/ironing board.

Restaurant
Patrons of Ascott on Huai Hai Road start the day with filling breakfast on site. Diners can prepare meals in the self-catering units or sample local dishes at restaurants and bars nearby.

General
Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai provides events spaces, business centre, doctor on call, airport transfer and laundry/dry cleaning, all for an added charge. Guests can unwind in the indoor heated pool and reading room on site. Tennis court, aerobics room and fitness centre are also on offer.

Hotel Nikko Shanghai

488 Yan An West Road Changning District Shanghai 200040

Travellers looking for deluxe accommodations and attentive service in a convenient location find an ideal base at Hotel Nikko Shanghai. The luxury hotel is within close proximity to the Shanghai Children's Palace, Jing An Park, Jing An Temple and French Concession. Guests can enjoy a performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe or admire the collections at Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts. The contemporary property in central Shanghai boasts its Angsana Spa on site with 14 treatment rooms.

Location
Centrally situated, Shanghai Hotel Nikko is close to the financial, commercial and entertainment areas. The chic hotel is also nearby the shopping districts of Huai Hai Road and Xujiahui as well as the Shanghai Public Library.

Rooms
The 382 stylish and well-furnished rooms and suites are outfitted with air conditioning, LED TV, iPod dock, mini bar, coffee and tea maker, high-quality linens and private bathroom. The hotel also offers Executive Floor and Suites with personalized concierge.

Restaurant
Patrons of Hotel Nikko savor international cuisines at Benkay Japanese Restaurant, Jinge Chinese Restaurant and Serena Cafe on site.

General
Hotel Nikko Shanghai features a ballroom, seven meeting rooms, fitness center, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath. Guests can enjoy light snacks and drinks at the lobby lounge, deli and Blue Bar. For more sightseeing, Jade Buddha Temple is three kilometers away.

Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai

1108 Mei Hua Road Pudong Shanghai CN-201204

Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai combines traditional Eastern culture with modern comforts and conveniences. The contemporary luxury hotel in Shanghai is ideal for business travellers with its proximity to the financial district, direct underground access to Shanghai New International Expo Centre and facilities like fully equipped meeting rooms and ballrooms that can host events and functions. Also close to the property are Century Park and Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. Yangpu Bridge and Shanghai Stock Exchange are other area attractions.

Location
conveniently located in Pudong, Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel is close to public transportation facilities and the airport. The stylish property is a few kilometres from Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai Ocean Aquarium.

Rooms
The exquisitely appointed rooms and suites are equipped with air conditioning, cable/satellite 42-inch LCD HDTV, Internet access, safe deposit box, mini bar and private bathroom.

Restaurant
Guests at Jumeirah Himalayas enjoy Japanese cuisine at J-Mix, Western dishes at Grill Room and Shanghai specialties at Shang-High Cuisine. Arte Cafe on site and Lounge offers buffet breakfast and bistro food.

General
Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai has The Spa, rooftop garden and 24-hour fitness centre with exercise room, yoga area and indoor lap pool. Holidaymakers can also explore historical buildings at The Bund less than eight kilometres away.

Regal International East Asia Hotel Shanghai

516 Hengshan Road Shanghai 200030

The Regal International East Asia Hotel Shanghai combines the eastern and western art of hospitality to unveil a true regal experience during guests stay. This property is within walking distance from Shanghai's best dining, shopping, night life and entertainment venues.

Location
Located in the middle of Shanghai International Tennis Centre, Regal International East Asia Hotel on Hengshan Road. With cafes, bars, exquisite shops and beautifully arranged gardens scattered along the boulevard, this tree-lined street stretches to the two ends of famous commercial and leisure centers.

Rooms
The guestrooms and suites are tastefully furnished with essential amenities such as air condition, cable TV, hairdryer, ironing board, mini bar, coffee maker and telephone..

Restaurant
The hotel offers a variety of specialty restaurants that are perfect for any occasion where in guests can feast on. Azure Bar, set in the lobby lounge is the perfect oasis offering a relaxing end to an eventful day with a casual drink, cocktails and afternoon tea.

General
This property offers a ballroom, meeting rooms and conference centre that provides the perfect setting with all modern facilities to host any business or social gathering. At leisure, guests can take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool provided on-site.

Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Oriental Hotel Shanghai

2288 Pudong Avenue Shanghai 200136

Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Oriental Hotel Shanghai offers luxurious accommodation and first-class business facilities. The hotel also provides excellent recreational facilities and is an ideal point to start an enjoyable holiday. Most of the city's famous destinations are found close to this property. Liu Hai Su Art Center, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and Oriental Pearl Tower are few among them. A 30 minutes drive takes guests to the Pudong Section entrance of Shanghai Expo grounds.

Location
Grand Plaza Royale Oriental Hotel is located on Pudong Avenue in Shanghai. This property is surrounded by popular area attractions, such as the Bund Museum and Shanghai Oriental Arts Center.

Rooms
Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Oriental Hotel provides 523 air conditioned accommodation units. Each of them features modern amenities such as Internet access and cable TV.

Restaurant
The onsite Shang Rong Fu Chinese Restaurant serves delicious Cantonese, Shanghai and Sichuan cuisines, while the J Japanese Restaurant offers authentic Japanese dishes.

General
Equipped with the latest audio visual technology, the Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Oriental Hotel Shanghai's 723 square meter Grand Royale Ballroom offers a perfect venue for hosting social events. A beautiful swimming pool and spa are also available onsite. The Yuyuan Garden, classed as one of the most lavish Chinese gardens, is at a small driving distance.

Additional Information

• 30 min by car to Shanghai Expo Pudong Section entrance
• 35 min drive to the International Airport (Pudong)

Hua Ting Hotel & Towers Shanghai

1200 North Caoxi Road Shanghai 200030

Featuring an elegant decor and a warm hospitality, Hua Ting Hotel welcomes you for an unforgettable vacation.

Location
Hua Ting Hotel and Towers Shanghai, one of china's most striking buildings, is located in the heart of the city's booming commercial center Xu Jia Hui. The hotel is conveniently situated with excellent transport links and the city ring road located right outside the main entrance, major department stores, offices, bars and restaurants are within walking distance.

Rooms
Designed for business and leisure travelers accustomed to high standards, the Hua Ting Hotel comprises of 803 guest rooms including 40 suites complete with an en-suite bathroom.

Restaurant
There is also a wide selection of bars and restaurants offering Shanghainese, Cantonese, American and other international specialities.

General
Business meetings of up to 1,200 people can be easily accommodated and the hotel also provides a fully equipped 24-hour business centre. When you want to relax, you'll be pampered with superb facilities including a health club, with swimming pool, sauna, and billiards.

Wyndham Bund East Shanghai Hotel

No 25 Ning Guo Road Shanghai 200090

Wyndham Bund East Shanghai Hotel Wyndham with its wide range of facilities and services is the perfect place for an enjoyable stay. This hotel offers spacious accommodation decorated with elaborate design and elegant style. It also provides Perfect conference system for business pursuits. Just a short drive away from the property is the beautiful Yu garden, boasting delicate architectural style of Ming dynasty. Longhua Temple and Jade Buddha Temple are some of the famous shrines of the city and are worth visiting.

Location
Wyndham Bund East Hotel is located at 25 Ning Guo Road, near the Huangpu River. Guests at this hotel will enjoy easy access to the major spots of the city. Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Grand Theatre are some of the city's popular landmarks.

Rooms
Wyndham Bund East Hotel features 482 spacious rooms and suites, with air conditioning, mini bar and coffee maker. Most of the units overlook the Bund and the Huangpu River.

Restaurant
The hotel's Shang Rong Xuan Chinese Restaurant serves delicious Chinese cuisines, while the Lobby Lounge is an ideal place to enjoy beverages and cocktails.

General
Wyndham Bund East Shanghai Hotel boasts five multi-functional conference rooms for hosting social events. For relaxation, this hotel offers a swimming pool, sauna and spa. At leisure, guests can explore some of the famous area attractions, such as Shanghai Wild Animal Zoo and Longhua Pagoda.

Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou Hotel

No.59 Si Ping Road Hongkou, Shanghai 200086

Enjoy cosmopolitan living in comfort at Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou Hotel. The modern property is an ideal base for exploring what the city has to offer, from ancient Chinese art at Shanghai Museum to vibrant shopping at Nanjing Road. Nearby are recreational establishments like Shanghai Ocean Aquarium featuring marine life and Great World showcasing folk dance and opera.

Location
Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou offers convenience in a central location, around five kilometres from Shanghai Railway Station. The property is only a two-minute walk to both Subway Lines 4 and 10.

Rooms
Comfort is ensured in the 471 rooms that feature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Beds. The modern interiors are made more conducive to rest with in-room amenities like satellite TV, high-speed Internet access, telephone, in-room safe and mini bar.

Restaurant
Sheraton Hongkou Hotel's on-site restaurants cater to a variety of palates. Yue highlights traditional Cantonese, Shanghai and Sichuan cuisines,while Japanese restaurant Miyabi offers sushi bar and teppanyaki. Feast takes care of international favourites.

General
Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou Hotel wipes away all worries with rejuvenating treatments provided at on-site Shine Spa. The ballroom features a grand venue for unforgettable events and functions. Guests may also visit the nearby Huxinting Tea House, the oldest teahouse in Shanghai still in operation to this day.

Shanghai Reilable Transportation with Driver

Shanghai Air Pollution

Shanghai Air Pollution

PM10 and PM2.5

Whilst we might holistically judge daily air pollution by asking, "Can I see Alaska Pudong from my house?", a more scientific method measures the number of micrograms of PM10 and PM2.5 (particles measuring less than 10 micrometres and 2.5 micrometres respectively) per cubic metre.

These particles are caused by dust or emissions from vehicles, factories, construction sites and coal combustion. Fine particulates (PM2.5) can penetrate lungs and enter the bloodstream, making them the most detrimental to health. As you'd expect, chronic exposure leads to an increased risk of lots of nasty things, particularly heart disease and lung cancer.

Unfortunately, due to the government's convenient lack of data on PM2.5 levels (soon to be rectified), we're unable to analyze the findings in direct relation to Shanghai, but we can use it to draw comparable conclusions about our Shmoggy™ neighbor to the north, Beijing.

Before we look at the facts, it is important to note that the capital's PM10 levels are higher than Shanghai's, and it's PM2.5 levels are likely to be too. The reason is geographical: Shanghai is by the sea, which helps to rapidly clear the air, while Beijing lies in a valley surrounded by mountains.

So next time you fumble your way to the metro with less visibility in front of you than a Boeing in a bad storm, just remember that at least you aren't living in Beijing.

How does air pollution affect life expectancy?

Unfortunately, we can safely say that prolonged exposure to extreme air pollution leads to premature death - The World Health Organization estimated in 2007 that 656,000 Chinese die prematurely each year from ailments caused by indoor and outdoor air pollution - but exactly how much closer to the grave does it put us?

In 2009, one authoritative study found a decrease of 10 micrograms per cubic metre in a city's fine-particulate concentration was associated with an estimated increase in life expectancy of approximately 0.6 years.

Therefore, if we were able to remove all other factors, people living in Beijing would theoretically die five years younger than people living in America's most polluted city, Los Angeles.

The figure of course doesn't apply to officials who can't live without their own private Air Supply.

How does air pollution relate to lung disease and heart disease?

In contrast, Dr Richard Saint Cyr of My Health Beijing believes that the life expectancy figures may be misleading.

Instead, Dr Saint Cyr gauges the effects of air pollution by analyzing the percentage increases in the likelihood of developing diseases. In the case of Beijing, Dr Saint Cyr calculates that long-term living in the capital causes a 49% increase in lung cancer and 32% increase in heart disease deaths (when compared to perfectly clean air).

According to the World Health Organization's latest PM2.5 statistics, living in Beijing is thus significantly more lethal than other metropolises, including L.A. (12% and 19% respectively), London (11% and 19%), and Paris (17% and 21%).

To take a different (less scary) perspective, another study revealed that an individual spending 24 hours in Beijing will inhale 15% of a cigarette's worth of PM2.5. In other words, Beijing living is equivalent to smoking less than 1/6 of a cigarette each day.

Then again, it isn't much of a stretch to just go ahead and declare that the statistic is closer to at least 1/2 of a cigarette for the equivalent amount of PM2.5 people inhale in a day, since inhaling second-hand smoke is still prevalent in much of China.

And believe us, being next to spirals of cigarette smoke isn't nearly as sexy as Wong Kar-Wai and Mad Men make it seem.

In Shanghai, restaurant hygiene is denoted with a reassuring smiley faces. Could a similar system be used for air quality?

Is the air pollution actually getting better?

Beijing reported that 77.3% of days were 'blue sky days' over the past two years, which sounds lovely, but don't break out the picnic blankets just yet.

Applying EU standards to the same period shows that only 17.7% of those days would be considered 'medium' or 'low' pollution.

The government claims pollution levels have decreased, with the number of so-called 'blue sky days' increasing annually for 13 consecutive years being trotted out as evidence. However, research conducted over the past decade has shown PM2.5 levels increasing by 3-4% annually.

Added to this, Beijing lost its place in our environmental circle of trust when it shut down its two most polluted monitoring stations to raise its 'score' in 2006. In 2008 it even began monitoring from beyond the 6th ring road, 15-20km away from the city centre. Cheeky, Beijing, very cheeky.

Possibly more revealing than the shifty air quality statistics is the fact that Beijing's lung cancer rate has risen by 60% over the past decade, despite smoking rates remaining flat. "Increasing air pollution might be largely blamed for that," said Zhi Xiuyi, director of the Lung Cancer Treatment Center at Capital Medical University.

What's being done to decrease air pollution?

Thankfully, the government is now reportedly putting pressure on local authorities to tackle the problem.

In 2012, PM2.5 monitoring stations are to be introduced to 30 cities nationwide (including Shanghai), and last November the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) announced that public opinion would soon be used to assess the performance of local governments on environmental protection.

If logo ideas are needed, we'd suggest going with something similar to the smiley face, unhappy face, disinterested face system used for hygiene levels in restaurants, except with normal face, surgical mask face, and Culturally Insensitive Olympian-style gas mask face instead.

So, in conclusion, this city may be gradually killing us all, but the health implications probably aren't as bad as the 'facts' you've previously heard. The random guy who told you that the pollution in Shanghai would give an adult elephant seven types of cancer in three hours (or something similar) didn't actually know what he was talking about.