Did you know that you could actually still buy fireworks in the city? Despite the Spring Festival being over for about a month now, fireworks and firecrackers can still be found at downtown-area stores... but not for long! Shanghai has ordered that they be pulled off shelves by the end of this month as part of the efforts to ensure a safe Expo. In April, you'll have to go outside the Middle Ring Road if you want to engage your inner arsonist... so, maybe you ought to set off a few for good fun now, while you still apparently can? more ›

Heavy polluting, high-emission vehicles - those that can't meet China's lowest level of National Emission Standards - are now banned from downtown Shanghai in an effort to create better air quality in time for the Expo. There are about 200,000 of these cars and trucks in the city and they generate about 50% of all vehicular emissions while accounting for only 14% the total of local vehicles. Violators will be fined 200RMB and lose two points off their license. The city started banning high-emission cars from the Inner Ring Road area in 2006. The new ban extends to the Middle Ring Road - including lanes on the Yan'an, North-South and Humin highways. more ›