Sometimes, one can’t help but think of this country as one large toxic site. From carcinogenic air to unsafe dumplings and toxic tea, Shanghai is unfortunately not immune to the incessant pollution and food scandals. But on the up side, you can always hop on a train (provided you’re up-to-date on the constant schedule changes) and renew your batteries at one of the many spas in the vicinity. Or you could always just indulge in Shanghai’s many world-class events. Here’s a round-up of the latest news and happenings in Shanghai.

Notable news

1) Food scandals: unsafe dumplings and toxic oolong tea brands
Consumers were shocked once again by more news of food safety scandals. This time the culprits were a brand of dumplings sold at Carrefour that contained staphylococcus aureus (read more here) and five brands of oolong tea manufactured by Shanghai companies that contained excessive levels of potentially harmful rare-earth elements. Lipton brand was among one of the brands to be exposed. 

2) Shanghai-Nanjing high-speed train schedule change
It’s hard to keep up with the schedule of the high-speed trains these days; every other week a new timetable or route change is announced. The most recent change affects the Shanghai-Nanjing route, with several changes to stops announced (more here). And if you’re wondering when the ambitious high-speed network’s improvements will be done, don’t get your hopes up any time soon. The entire project has come under major scrutiny and the opening of many lines is being delayed for the unforeseeable future. D-train it is then!

3) Shanghai air can cause cancer
It’s not just Beijing that suffers from air pollution woes – Shanghai is just as vulnerable. Researchers at Fudan University recently discovered that downtown Shanghai’s "fog vapour" contains carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) at levels ranging from 0.03 micrograms to 6.67 micrograms per litre. While most of us probably already knew that all major Chinese cities are bound to suffer from air pollution, what we don’t know is exactly how harmful these levels of PAH are.

4) China’s first private jet facility opens in Shanghai
But it’s not all doom and gloom, at least not for those lucky enough to own private jets. China’s first ever private jet facility, which has the capacity to maintain and repair 40 private jets per year, recently opened in Hongqiao. And since there are seemingly so many private jets going around these days, a second facility is planned to open at Pudong Airport in the not so distant future.

Events

1) Mogwai play Mao Livehouse Nov. 28th
Fans of post-rock be excited, be very excited! Scottish post-rock band Mogwai are performing at Mao Livehouse on November 28th. Founded in 1996, Mogwai helped put Glasgow back under the music radar. They’ll be performing songs from their latest album "Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will". Tickets cost 320 RMB at the door. If you hurry, you may still be able to snatch up at pre-sale ticket for 260 RMB on taobao.com.

2) Chicago Improv All-Stars Nov. 18-19th  
Fuel-up on a healthy dose of witty humour when the Chicago Improv All-Stars hit the town this November 18th and 19th. According to past reviews, expect to see improv theatre at its most hilarious, with on-the-spot audience suggestions and fun musical bits. More info here.

3) Bob Sinclar coming to Shanghai Dec. 8th
Bob Sinclar, one of the most successful DJ-producers of all time, who has topped charts with such hits as "Love Generation, Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now)" and "World, Hold On (Children of the Sky)" will be spinning his infectious house beats at Bar Rouge on December 8th. The Frenchman has collaborated with such megastars as Sean Paul and Shaggy to name but a few. Expect a full house so get your tickets early (300 RMB pre-sale available at SmartShanghai.com, 400 RMB at the door).

4) 2011 Shanghai International Contemporary Theatre Festival
Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center will host a one-month contemporary theatre festival starting on November 11th. An interesting mix of plays from around the world will be performed, including productions from America’s L.A. Theatre, Britain’s TongueTied Theatre, Germany’s Consol Theatre, Spain’s Kulunka Theatre as well as works by the local Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center and more.  For more details check out their website: www.china-drama.com.

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Keywords: Shanghai watchdog November toxic tea Shanghai news and event round-up Shanghai 2011 Shanghai Contemporary Theatre Festival