Social Commitment

Shanghai CITS looks back on a long and dynamic history and today ranks among the most experienced and capable companies in China’s tourism industry. With extensive expertise, a strong network, and a clear commitment to quality, the company has been shaping international tourism successfully for many years.

At the same time, Shanghai CITS sees itself not only as a business enterprise, but also as an active member of society. Through a range of social initiatives and long-term engagement, the company takes responsibility beyond its core business.


In July 1957, the Shanghai Branch of CITS established a service desk at Shanghai Railway Station, also known as “Service Unit 101,” to assist foreign guests with arrival and departure procedures.
In August 1958, an additional service desk was opened at Hongqiao Airport to provide support to international travelers.
In September 1972, the branch resumed operations at the Shanghai Railway Station service desk, which had been closed at the beginning of the Cultural Revolution.
On 27 November 1978, the service desk at Hongqiao Airport, also closed during the Cultural Revolution, was reopened.
In 1982, the service desk at Hongqiao Airport was recognized as an Advanced Collective Unit within the national tourism system.
At the end of 1988, the Shanghai Branch published the book “Shanghai Guide Texts,” which received the Silver Dove Award for Outstanding Publications in International Public Communication in Shanghai.
On 29 July 1989, in celebration of its 35th anniversary, the Shanghai Branch hosted an academic symposium for tour guides and translators. Representatives from government authorities, universities, media organizations, and international travel institutions attended the event. A total of fourteen professional papers were presented.
In December 1990, the Japanese edition of “Shanghai Guide Texts” was published.
In September 1994, employees of Shanghai CITS donated 74 packages of clothing and blankets to disaster affected areas in Yunnan Province.
In August 1995, employees collected 62 packages containing a total of 2,086 garments to support those affected in Shigatse, Tibet.
In February 1996, 48 large packages containing 1,374 garments were donated to the earthquake stricken region of Lijiang in Yunnan.
On 11 August 1998, Shanghai CITS donated RMB 50,000 at a charity event in support of flood victims. By 4 September, an additional RMB 43,000 and 3,540 garments had been contributed by employees.
In October 1999, the Shanghai CITS service desk officially commenced operations at the terminal of Pudong International Airport.
In October 2000, employees donated 30 large packages containing a total of 1,844 garments to disaster affected areas in Yunnan.
In November 2001, 50 packages containing 2,081 garments were donated to disaster affected and economically disadvantaged regions in Yunnan and Jiangxi.
In September 2003, the publication “New Guide to Overseas Travel for Shanghai Citizens 2003” was released in collaboration with an advertising agency.
In the summer of 2012, tour guide Hu Rong was involved in a traffic accident while leading a group tour in New Zealand. She calmly organized rescue efforts and, together with travelers, helped bring more than 30 people to safety. In recognition of her actions, she was honored as “Outstanding Tour Guide” and received distinctions including “Good Citizen of Shanghai.”
Beginning in March 2020, Shanghai CITS deployed 27 professionals with Japanese and Italian language skills to Pudong and Hongqiao International Airports in support of pandemic response efforts. Over a period of three years, they provided translation and assistance services for inbound international travelers despite infection risks, contributing to the effective communication of international health measures.
In April 2022, Party members of Shanghai CITS actively volunteered within their residential communities to support pandemic control measures. They assisted with testing, organizational coordination, distribution of essential supplies, care for elderly residents, and the management of access controls.
Since October 2024, 20 multilingual employees of Shanghai CITS have been stationed at the service centers for international travelers at Pudong and Hongqiao Airports. They provide round-the-clock consultation on culture and tourism as well as entry-related assistance, actively contributing to the recovery of the inbound market and strengthening Shanghai’s position as a primary gateway for travel to China.