Current Time in Shanghai
The live local time in Shanghai, China — Shanghai (Asia/Shanghai). Compare it with major cities below, or open the full world clock map.
Time in Shanghai
Shanghai follows the Asia/Shanghai time zone. Its offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) changes when daylight saving time is in effect, so the live clock above always shows the real local time right now.
Daylight saving: Shanghai does not currently observe daylight saving time, so its UTC offset stays the same all year round.
To plan a call or event across zones, compare Shanghai with other cities in the list above, browse every offset on the interactive time zone map, or turn any moment into a shareable code with the Discord timestamp generator.
Shanghai quick facts
- Country
- China
- Time zone
- Asia/Shanghai
- UTC offset
- UTC+8 all year
- Calling code
- +86
- Population (metro area, approx.)
- ≈ 29.9 million
- Coordinates
- 31.23°N, 121.47°E
Best time to call Shanghai
When it's 9:00 AM–5:00 PM in New York, it's 9:00 PM–5:00 AM in Shanghai. There is little or no business-hours overlap — aim for early morning or late evening instead.
When it's 9:00 AM–5:00 PM in London, it's 4:00 PM–12:00 AM in Shanghai. The best window for business calls is roughly 4:00 PM–5:00 PM Shanghai time.
Cities near Shanghai
Frequently asked questions
What time zone is Shanghai in?+
Shanghai is in the Asia/Shanghai time zone. The live clock shows its current UTC offset, which already accounts for daylight saving where it applies.
Does Shanghai observe daylight saving time?+
The times shown use the current IANA time zone (Asia/Shanghai), so daylight saving is reflected automatically whenever China observes it.
When do the clocks change in Shanghai?+
Shanghai does not currently observe daylight saving time, so its UTC offset stays the same all year round.
What is the best time to call Shanghai from New York?+
When it's 9:00 AM–5:00 PM in New York, it's 9:00 PM–5:00 AM in Shanghai. There is little or no business-hours overlap — aim for early morning or late evening instead.