Calling a multilanguage hotline in Shanghai may be the quickest way for foreigners to get answers to all manner of questions in China at any time of day.

Launched in May 2006, the Shanghai Call Center provides information in 15 languages about just about anything - travel, transportation, education, healthcare, entertainment and more.

"We are trying to be the language representative of the city to welcome, accompany and cheer up more newly arrived expats and foreign tourists by solving daily problems and easing their nerves," Yue said.