We're actually a little surprised they weren't doing this already. From today, Shanghai traffic police will be patrolling from the skies for four hours a day during rush hour: "Equipped with video surveillance cameras, the helicopters allow officers to survey some 1,800 meters below, providing clear ground visuals of vehicle plate numbers. The helicopters will primarily focus on monitoring daily traffic along the G2, G60, and G15 highways during the morning and evening rush hour. Any problems found will be forwarded to traffic police controls on the ground." They plan to mostly focus on congestion issues, and also violations more easily detected from the sky, such as illegal parking on our elevated highways. more ›

According to Shanghai Daily, currently being considered is a "flexible taxi rate" that would charge more during rush hours and have cheaper rates for quieter times. By introducing these new rates, the Shanghai Taxi Bureau is hoping to improve taxi service efficiency while relieving downtown road congestion. The plan's still in the "feasibility study" stage and no proposed price points have been announced, but taxi drivers seem to already be getting worried. "I doubt whether extra income from peak-time service can cover losses from reduced fares in slack periods," one cabbie told the paper. more ›

More photos on the Shanghaiist Contribute page. To see your photos on our Contribute page, use Flickr and tag your photos “shanghaiist”. Or you can email your photos to photos@shanghaiist.com and they will automatically appear on our site (and here). more ›

Jackie Chan, China's most famous actor/singer/producer/cartoon character/matchmaker (whew!) finds himself one sino-franchise poorer this week, as government officials have blocked mainland distribution of his newest flick, Rush Hour 3. E! News reports: more ›

Jackie Chan reportedly told The Times of India that "Asians should unite against American cinema." Chan, star of such American movies as Around the World in 80 Days, The Medallion, Shanghai Knights, The Tuxedo, Rush Hour, Rush Hour 2 and Shanghai Noon, went on to say, "Why do we need to ape their culture. I see an Indian saying 'Yo Man!' but that's not what Asian are about." He added, "Cinema reflects culture and there is no harm in adapting technology, but not at the cost of losing your originality." more ›

Aging movie star Jackie Chan, an early Shanghaiist favorite, is bad-mouthing Chris Tucker and his diva-like demands for slowing down production of the third installment of the lucrative Rush Hour franchise, which we have had to live with for seven years now. Seven years! more ›