Shanghai, China Postal Codes: Full District List and Postcard-Sending Guide

Postal Code for China Shanghai

Shanghai's postal system uses six-digit codes that pinpoint neighborhoods across China's largest city. Each district has its own range, from the Bund's 200001 to Chongming Island's 202xxx codes. Visitors sending postcards home need the correct district code and a basic understanding of China Post's services. This guide covers every Shanghai postal code, explains the format, and walks through the practical steps for mailing from the city.

Quick Facts

Shanghai Postal Code Format

Postal Code for China Shanghai

Every Shanghai postal code is exactly six digits, written without letters or hyphens. All codes begin with 200 because that is Shanghai's national prefix as a municipality. The fourth digit roughly indicates location: 0 marks central districts, 1 marks north and northeast suburbs, and 2 marks farther reaches like Chongming Island.

A single district often spans several codes. Jing'an, for example, uses 200040 for the western Nanjing Road area and 200070 for the northern zone near Shanghai Railway Station. Codes are placed on their own line, immediately above the country name in the address block.

Shanghai Postal Codes by District

Huangpu and the Central Districts

Huangpu's code 200001 is the most searched for Shanghai. It covers the Bund, People's Square, and the former Luwan district before they merged. The code sits at the city center and is often used as a fallback when the exact district is unknown.

Xuhui's 200030 takes in the French Concession core. Jing'an splits between 200040 for the older western quarter around Nanjing Road West and 200070 for the newer northern zone near the railway station. Putuo at 200333 covers the Changfeng Park area, while Yangpu uses 200082 for Fudan University and the surrounding district along the Huangpu river's north bank.

Pudong New Area

Pudong spans more codes than any other district because it absorbed Nanhui in 2009 and now stretches from the riverbank to the东海 coastline. The principal code 200120 covers Lujiazui, the Bund's对面的金融区.

Other key sub-codes in Pudong include 201206 for Jinqiao Export Processing Zone, 201315 for Kangqiao, 201200 for Chuansha (an old Pudong town center), and 201300 for the former Nanhui district. Visitors to Shanghai Disneyland should use 201305.

Outer Districts

Eight districts ring the city center. Each has a principal round-number code in the 201xxx or 202xxx range. Minhang is 201100, Baoshan is 201900, Jiading is 201800, Jinshan is 201500, Songjiang is 201600, Qingpu is 201700, and Fengxian is 201400.

Chongming Island is unique. It is the only Shanghai district whose codes start with 202. Chongming town itself uses 202150. The island's three larger sub-districts—Chongming's towns on the north, middle, and south shoals—carry distinct sub-codes within the 202xxx band.

Postal Codes for Popular Shanghai Neighborhoods

Postal Code for China Shanghai

Hongkou District

The general Hongkou code is 200080. For Hongguan Road and the Sichuan Road North corridor between Luosheng Road and Huidu Road, the specific sub-zone is 200083. The North Bund riverside redevelopment area falls under 200082.

Jinqiao (Pudong)

Jinqiao Export Processing Zone and its surrounding residential compounds use 201206. This code sits close to Lujiazui (200120), but Jinqiao is a separate administrative zone about 8 kilometers northeast of the financial district. It is a major manufacturing and technology corridor.

Jiading District

Jiading town center carries 201800. The industrial zone to its north uses 201807. Nanxiang Ancient Town, famous for its steamed buns, sits in the 201802 sub-zone. Visitors heading to the Shanghai International Circuit (Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix) should note the circuit area uses 201822.

Other Frequently Requested Areas

Several areas come up frequently in searches. Hongqiao Transportation Hub and the National Exhibition and Convention Center use 201105. Shanghai Disneyland is 201305. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is 201713. Chongming town is 202150. Lingang, the new free-trade zone on Pudong's south coast, spans 201306 to 201499.

📮 Sending Mail Across Southern Hubs: If your travels or shipping needs extend beyond Shanghai to South China's premier commercial hub, check out our quick reference guide to Guangzhou Zip Code.

Sending Mail and Postcards from Shanghai

Postal Code for China Shanghai

China Post operates throughout the city. Stamps, postcards, and basic postal services are available at every branch. International airmail and surface options exist for letters and postcards. Here is how to navigate the system.

Buying Stamps and Postcards

An international postcard stamp costs about $0.85 (¥6). An aerogramme—a pre-printed single-sheet letter card—costs about $0.70 (¥5). Both are available at any China Post counter.

Blank postcards suitable for mailing are sold at tourist-area shops near the Bund and Yu Garden for ¥5–15 each. Commemorative stamps and philatelic products are available at the Shanghai General Post Office on Hongqiao Road.

Addressing Mail to Leave China

For international mail, write the destination address in English in the lower-right block. Place the country name on its own final line in capital letters. Above it, write the postal code on its own line.

The sender's address goes in the upper-left block and must include "CHINA" and your six-digit code. Do not use a P.O. Box address only. Adding Chinese characters on the address side is acceptable, but it may slow sorting.

Postal Rates and Delivery Times

International airmail letters up to 20 grams cost about $1.20 (¥8.50). Small packets up to 100 grams run $2.10–2.80 (¥15–20) to the US or EU by surface, higher by air. EMS international service (up to 500 grams to the US) costs $16–25 (¥115–180) with delivery in roughly 7 days.

A postcard by air typically arrives in 10–20 days to the US or EU. Surface postcard delivery takes 20–40 days. Tracking is available only on EMS and registered mail services.

Where to Drop Off Mail in Shanghai

China Post branches exist in every district. The most foreigner-friendly location is the Shanghai General Post Office at 366 Hongqiao Road, Changning District (postal code 200336). Red postboxes on the street accept pre-stamped mail.

Most international hotels will accept stamped letters for posting at the concierge desk. Larger branches near tourist areas often have English signage and staff who can help with basic international postage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the postal code for Shanghai, China?

Shanghai does not use a single citywide code. Every district has its own range. For a generic city-center address, 200001 (Huangpu) or 200030 (Xuhui) are commonly used fallbacks. Always use the specific district code when available.

Q: Are all Shanghai postal codes the same?

No. All Shanghai codes start with 200, but the last three digits vary by district and sub-zone. Using an incorrect sub-zone code can delay delivery by 1–3 days.

Q: What is the postal code for Pudong New Area Shanghai China?

The main central Pudong code is 200120 (Lujiazui and most central Pudong). Outlying sub-zones include 201206 for Jinqiao, 201315 for Kangqiao, 201300 for the former Nanhui area, and 201305 for Disneyland.

Q: How much does it cost to send a postcard from Shanghai abroad?

An international postcard stamp costs about $0.85 (¥6) by surface mail. Air-mail adds a small surcharge. Blank postcards run ¥5–15 at tourist shops, so the total cost is usually $2–3 (¥15–20).

Q: Can I send a postcard from my hotel?

Most international hotels will post stamped mail for guests at the concierge desk. Otherwise, drop your card into any red China Post street box or take it to a branch counter.

Q: How long does international mail take from Shanghai?

Surface postcard delivery is 20–40 days to the US or EU. Airmail postcards arrive in 10–20 days. EMS takes 7–10 days. Peak travel seasons can add an extra 1–2 weeks to any of these estimates.

Q: Do I need a customs form to mail a postcard from Shanghai?

No customs form is required for a standard postcard containing text only. A customs declaration (CN22 form) becomes necessary for small packets containing goods, gifts, or anything beyond personal correspondence.