Shanghai City, also known as Shen, is one of China's largest cities and one of the four municipalities directly under the central government. As a world-renowned financial, trade and shipping center, Shanghai is known as the "Pearl of the Orient", and it is famous for its unique "Shanghai-style culture", bustling cityscape and fast-paced international life.
Shanghai is located at the midpoint of China's eastern coastline, south of the Yangtze River estuary, and is part of the alluvial plain of the Yangtze River Delta. The city is flat and has a dense network of rivers, and the Huangpu River runs through the city, dividing it into Puxi and Pudong. Its climate belongs to the subtropical monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons, mild and humid, hot in summer and cold in winter, and pleasant climate in spring and autumn;
The city's iconic landscape is undoubtedly a dialogue of scenery on both sides of the Huangpu River. The Bund on the west bank, known as the "International Architecture Exhibition Group", is a classic corridor looking back at the history of the city, with dozens of historical buildings of different styles, telling the centennial situation of modern Shanghai Tang. Across the river, Lujiazui in Pudong, a cluster of skyscrapers represented by the Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl Tower rise from the ground, outlining the spectacular skyline of modern China and symbolizing the vitality and future of the city.
The essence of Shanghai's culture is reflected in its urban spirit of "embracing all rivers". The unique "Shikumen" architecture is the product of the combination of Chinese and Western architectural arts, and now in places such as "Xintiandi" and "Tianzifang", these old alleys have been given new vitality, bringing together art galleries, specialty shops and flavor restaurants. Walking through the old neighborhood shaded by plane trees, or tasting a delicious local cuisine, you can feel the delicate and exquisite side of the city;
As the forefront of China's reform and opening up, Shanghai has always been at the forefront of the times. It is the economic, financial, and trade center of China, and the Port of Shanghai is one of the busiest container ports in the world. From the establishment of the Pilot Free Trade Zone to the opening of the Science and Technology Innovation Board, Shanghai has continued to lead China's economic innovation. The city blends the precipitation of history with the opportunities of the modern, showing a unique charm that is both nostalgic and avant-garde, sophisticated and atmospheric.
What is there to do in Shanghai China?
The best time to visit Shanghai is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
In spring, Shanghai's climate is mild and full of flowers, whether it is strolling through the old streets of the French Concession or enjoying the flowers in the suburban parks, it is very pleasant.
Autumn is a prime season to experience Shanghai's cityscape and participate in various cultural activities. Both seasons avoid the scorching heat and rainy season in summer and the wet and cold in winter.
According to the Treaty of《Nanjing》Shanghai was officially opened to foreign merchants on November 17, 1843 as a treaty port. This dramatically changed the fortunes of Shanghai, which rapidly developed from a small county town into a financial and trade center in the Far East.
In July 1921, the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China was held at No. 106 Wangzhi Road (now No. 76 Xingye Road) in the French Concession of Shanghai, marking the birth of the Communist Party of China and having a profound impact on modern Chinese history.
Shanghai ushered in its“Golden Age”becoming one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities and global financial centers. The Bund's international architectural exposition and thriving commercial and cultural life have made it known as the“of the Paris”of the East.
In 1990, the Chinese government announced the development and opening up of Pudong New Area. This decision greatly promoted the reform and opening up process of Shanghai and even the whole of China, and the rise of Lujiazui and other regions brought about earth-shaking changes in the urban appearance of Shanghai.
Shanghai successfully hosted the 2010 World Expo with the theme of“City, Better Life”. This is the first registered World Expo to be held in a developing country, attracting 246 countries and international organizations from around the world, with more than 73 million visitors.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Shanghai
Chongming Dongtan is a key node on the global migratory bird migration route, providing irreplaceable habitats for a variety of rare and endangered birds such as the Bar-tailed Godwit and the Great Curlew.
Transportation you must know when visiting Shanghai
Shanghai has Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport.
The maglev train connects Pudong Airport and Longyang Road subway station, with a one-way ticket price of 50 yuan and a round-trip ticket of 80 yuan.
Both airports are connected by airport buses to various points in the city.
Shanghai has major railway stations such as Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.
The high-speed rail network is well developed, providing easy access to the city.
Shanghai has a well-developed metro network, with a total of 20 lines, covering the main areas of the city, and fares ranging from 3 yuan to 14 yuan.
Use the Shanghai Public Transportation Card, Metro App, Alipay, WeChat Pay, etc.
There are more than 1,600 bus lines in Shanghai, and the fare is usually 2 yuan.
Mobile payments such as Shanghai Public Transportation Card or Alipay can be used.
The starting price of a taxi in Shanghai is 14 yuan for 3 kilometers (16 yuan for an electric taxi).
After more than 3 kilometers, it is 2.5-2.7 yuan per kilometer, and the price will be increased at night and holidays.
You can use apps such as Didi Chuxing and Meituan Taxi to make an appointment.
Bicycle sharing is popular in Shanghai, and the main brands are Haro (blue), Meituan (yellow), and Qingju (blue-green).
The cost is about 1.5 yuan/15 minutes, which is suitable for short-distance travel, and can be unlocked by scanning the code through Alipay, WeChat mini program or bicycle app.
What to eat in Shanghai, you need to know
Soup Dumplings
The skin is thin and the filling is fresh, the soup is rich, the taste is delicious, and the appearance is small and exquisite; It contains the characteristics of soup, and is often called "soup dumplings" by foreigners; It is one of the most representative snacks in Shanghai.
Pan-Fried Pork Buns
The bottom is crispy and golden, the stuffed pork is juicy and the top is fluffy; It is a common breakfast street food; Easy to carry, ready to buy.
Scallion Pancakes
crispy and savory crepes with a shallot scent; Locals often queue up to buy; Crispy on the edges and chewy on the inside.