Air Sirens in Shanghai This Morning, Don't Be Alarmed

By Ned Kelly, September 17, 2025

0 0

Don’t panic dears, World War 3 is not breaking out.

You’re going to hear some air raid sirens this morning1,400 of them, to be precisebut it’s nothing to worry about. 

They are set to go off across Shanghaiexcept near Hongqiao and Pudong airportstoday, Saturday, September 20, from 11.35 to 11.58am to mark National Defense Education Day, which takes place every year in mid-September.

Three alarms lasting three minutes each will be sounded to help test the city’s siren warning system, and also get Shanghai residents familiarized with the city’s air defense siren procedures.

They are as follows:

  • 11.35-11.38am: Advance Warning

  • 11.45-11.48am: Air-raid Warning

  • 11.55-11.58am: All-clear

Advance Warning 

The advance warning will sound for three minutes. During this time the siren will ring for 36 seconds, before pausing for 24 seconds. This will be repeated three times. 

Advance warnings are used to signal that an air attack is imminent.

In the event of a real air attack, upon hearing the advance warning citizens should evacuate the building they are in and move to a location determined by the air defense department. 

Air-raid Warning

The air-raid warning will also sound for three minutes, but will ring for six seconds, followed by six seconds of silence. This will be repeated 15 times. 

Air-raid sirens signal that an attack has begun or that the enemy is about to strike. Residents should take cover. 

All-clear

The all-clear warning will sound for three minutes without break, and signals that the attack is over.

Phew!


[Cover image via retroweb/Flickr]

more news

0 User Comments

In Case You Missed It…

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at Thats_Shanghai for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in Shanghai With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's Shanghai!

Visit the archives