While some people will spend the National Day holiday traveling around the country or abroad, the majority of local residents will stay in Shanghai visiting friends, shopping and relaxing.

Most stores, banks and hospitals will remain open during the week. Here is a list of what facilities will be open during the holiday:

Banking services

Most local banks will be open for at least a few days during the holiday.

The Bank of China said more than half of its local outlets will be opened for business between October 1 and 3, with almost all of its branches open later in the week.

Hospitals

The out-patient department at most hospitals will be closed from October 1 to 3. Hospitals will provide normal services on October 4 and during the morning of October 5 and take regular holidays on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Emergency rooms will be open as usual.

Postal services

Local post offices will maintain regular hours throughout the week.

Shopping

Some of the city's major department stores said they will prolong business hours during the National Day holidays.

On Huaihai Road, Parkson Shopping Center said it will extend its closing time from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. from September 30 to October 7.

Pacific Department Store said it will open half an hour earlier than usual during the holidays. Business hours for the holiday are 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

At the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall, Hualian Department Store will also delay its closing time an hour to 11 p.m. on September 30 and October 1.

Shanghai No. 1 Department Store and New World City both said business hours will be unchanged from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

In addition, most of the major shopping centers are offering attractive discounts, and holding various festivals to attract customers.

Transportation services

Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines will operate 218 more flights domestically and internationally during the National Day holiday, with most of the extra flights headed to traditional tourist hot spots.

During the National Day holiday, 27 additional passenger trains will be added to the current 204 trains running both from and into Shanghai every day to meet increased passenger demand.

According to the Shanghai Taxi Administration Office, 49 spots either for customers to flag a taxi or for drivers waiting to pick up customers will be set up during the National Day holiday at three sightseeing areas, namely Yuyuan Garden, the Bund and Lujiazui area, to meet large demand in these areas. Residents can also choose to book taxis by telephone. The phone numbers for the city's five major taxi operators are: Qiangsheng 6258-0000, Dazhong 82222, Pujiang Star 6215-5555, Bashi 84000, Jinjiang minivan taxi 6275-8800.

Entertainment

Various programs will be hosted at local scenic spots. For example, Pudong Century Park will host firework shows on the evening of September 30, October 3 and October 6, and a group wedding ceremony will take place on the afternoon of October 5 in Xintiandi.

(eastday.com September 28, 2002)