Shanghai, called 'Hu' for short, a bustling metropolis located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, is the largest commercial and financial center of China. Connected with Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces in the west, the city is exposed to the East China Sea in the east. With a total area of 6,341 square kilometers (about 2,448 square miles) and a population of more than 13 million, Shanghai takes its place among the world's biggest, most booming urban areas.
Shanghai is a relatively young city of only a history of over 700 years. However, enjoying an advantageous location at the junction of Yangtze River and East Sea of China, the city has been an important gateway of China. Early in the 17th century it had been a bustling port. And during the eventful years in the past two centuries, Shanghai had been in the front of both foreign invasions and civil revolutions. So it can be said the city is the epitome of Chinese modern history.
Now, Shanghai has not only boomed into a modern city but also retains its traditional Chinese characteristics. The various ancient western styles of buildings around the western bank of Huangpu River, the Yuyuan Garden, the Old Street in front of the City God Temple, Qibao Ancient Town, Jade Buddha Temple, Hu Opera and Shanghai Cuisine are good examples of the ancient and traditional Shanghai City. Whereas, many skyscrapers, upscale shopping centers, convenient transport means, various tastes of restaurants and abundant recreational spots unveil the modern charms of this metropolis fully.
Shanghai Attractions:
Huangpu River & Bund, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Museum, Old City God's Temple, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Tower, Shanghai Old Street, Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Zhujiajiao Town & Qibao Ancient Town
Shanghai Transportation: Being a cosmopolitan city, Shanghai has a developed transportation network on the land and sea as well as in the air.
Shanghai Bus/Subway Search, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Subway, Shanghai Railway Station, South Railway Station, West Railway Station, Long-distance Bus Stations, Shanghai Ferry
Shanghai Expo 2010: Sites&Facilities, Expo Tickets, Expo Knowledge
Shanghai Maps: Shanghai City map and Subway Map
Shanghai Weather:
Shanghai has a mild and moist climate. The weather of four seasons is distinct, but it is not quite hot in summer and cold in winter. The rainy season comes from May to September. Annual temperatures average 16 ℃ and annual rainfall averages 1,200 millimeters. The best time to visit Shanghai is spring and autumn.
Shanghai Dining
Shanghai Cuisine is famous for the cooking of fresh fishes and shrimps. Stir-fried eel and eight treasures in hot sauce are two examples of the dish. Besides, all other kinds of Chinese cuisines and western cuisines can also be tasted here, such as Beijing, Sichuan, Guangdong, Huaiyang, Italian, Russian, French, Korean and Japanese dishes.
The well-known streets for dining include the Old Street of Old City God's Temple (Shanghai snacks), South Yunnan Road (all kinds of special dishes in China), Huanghe Road (Shanghai cuisine, seafood), Zhafu Road (upscale Guangdong dishes, seafood) and Xianjia Road (western dishes, tea houses, pubs).
Shanghai Shopping
Always walking on the edge of new trend, Shanghai is the paradise for shopping. The goods here have plenty of brands and are sold at acceptable prices. There have formed various shopping circles, such as Xujiahui, People's Square, Zhengda Square (the largest shopping and recreation center in Shanghai), Zhongshan Park, Wujiaochang, New Shanghai Shopping City of Pudong, Jiali Sleepless City. The famous shopping streets here include Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, North Sichuan Road and South Shaanxi Road. There are also some featured streets, such as Fuzhou Cultural Street (books) and Dongtai Road Antique Market (arts and crafts).
The local souvenirs here include flannelette blankets, embroideries, sculptures, metal articles, folk papers, paintings and Jiading bamboo sculptures. The local products here include Chongming daffodil, Jiading yellow grass braiding, white goat, hairy crab, saury, peacock fish, silverfish, Fudong chicken and Nanhui juicy peach.
Shanghai Entertainment
Shanghai has varieties of recreational facilities, including theme parks, cinemas, art exhibition halls, theatres, tea house, pubs, cafes, bookstores, gyms, Karaoke halls and night clubs. The well-trodden recreational spots include Huanyi Cinema on West Nanjing Road, Yonglegong Cinema on Anfu Road, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Shanghai Dino Beach, American Dream Park, Landai Night Cub, Night Paris and Great World Night Club.
Shanghai Photos: Huangpu River and the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Zhujiajiao Town, Shanghai 2010 Expo, Xintiandi, Qibao Ancient Town, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Museum
Useful Resources: Shanghai Food Tours
