Shanghai vs London Time Difference
Shanghai and London are separated by an 8-hour time difference, making it one of the more manageable time zone gaps for international business and communication. Shanghai follows China Standard Time (CST, UTC+8) year-round, while London switches between Greenwich Mean Time (GMT, UTC+0) and British Summer Time (BST, UTC+1) due to Daylight Saving Time.
This 8-hour difference means that when it's business hours in Shanghai, it's typically early morning or late night in London, and vice versa. This creates opportunities for extended business hours and round-the-clock operations between these two major global financial centers.
Detailed Time Comparison
| Shanghai Time | London Time | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | 1:00 AM | 8 hours ahead |
| 12:00 PM | 4:00 AM | 8 hours ahead |
| 6:00 PM | 10:00 AM | 8 hours ahead |
| 9:00 PM | 1:00 PM | 8 hours ahead |
*During London's British Summer Time (March-October), Shanghai is 7 hours ahead. During GMT (October-March), Shanghai is 8 hours ahead.
Business Meeting Scheduling Tips
🕐 Optimal Meeting Windows
- Shanghai Morning (9-11 AM) = London Early Morning (1-3 AM)
- Shanghai Evening (7-9 PM) = London Morning (11 AM-1 PM)
- London Morning (9-11 AM) = Shanghai Evening (5-7 PM)
- London Evening (7-9 PM) = Shanghai Early Morning (3-5 AM next day)
📅 Best Days for Meetings
- Monday-Friday: Standard business hours overlap
- Weekends: More flexible scheduling options
- Holidays: Check both countries' holiday calendars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time difference between Shanghai and London?
Shanghai is 7-8 hours ahead of London. During London's British Summer Time (March to October), Shanghai is 7 hours ahead. During GMT (October to March), Shanghai is 8 hours ahead.
When is the best time to schedule meetings between Shanghai and London?
The best times are typically Shanghai evenings (7-9 PM) which correspond to London mornings (11 AM-1 PM), or London evenings (7-9 PM) which correspond to Shanghai early mornings (3-5 AM the next day).
Does the time difference change throughout the year?
Yes, the time difference changes by 1 hour when London switches between British Summer Time and Greenwich Mean Time. Shanghai does not observe DST, so it remains constant at UTC+8 year-round.