FAQ - How can I watch English language TV in Shanghai?

In buildings that have many expats there are usually satellite links for channels such as HBO, CNN and ESPN, as well as a couple of Japanese channels that occasionally show English-language movies. You may even get access to some French, German, Italian or other European channels depending on where you are. Which channels you get varies year to year and from building to building. You usually have to pay the building management for the satellite service, and be sure to ask upfront before you rent. More info on getting satellite TV can be found here.

If you fancy something homegrown, then there's the execrable CCTV9, China's official English language channel. Tune in for gripping tales of Hunan's No. 9 Tuna Processing Plant! Marvel at stories of plucky peasants showing their undying love for the party! Thrilling stuff indeed...though if you like vases, vases and more vases, you may enjoy the culture sections. The material's repeated several times a day. Well, at least it was last time your intrepid writer tuned in, several months ago, by accident.