Shanghai overview
Shanghai, the Oriental Paris, is China’s biggest and most prosperous city. It is one of China's greatest economic and cultural centers, therefore it is popularly seen as the birthplace of everything considered modern in China. The city rivals New York or Paris in terms of modernity, and boasts a blended culture of the East and the West. Shanghai is a tourist destination famous for historical landmarks as well as modern, ever-expanding skylines. You will never get bored in this dynamic metropolis.
1. China's Largest and Richest City
Shanghai has a population of more than 20 million. It is the largest city in China and the second largest city proper in the world after Mumbai. Today it is the largest center of commerce and finance in mainland China, with many Chinese and international companies opening offices here, especially along the Bund. Undergoing a construction boom, new high-rise buildings are making a new skyline in Shanghai.
2. A Blend of Eastern and Western Cultures
With a favorable location and distinct oriental culture, Shanghai has attracted many foreigners, including Bernard Shaw, Albert Einstein and Tagore, to live here, or just experience the oriental charm. In the eyes of a foreigner, Shanghai has a unique oriental charm, while in the eyes of a Chinese, Shanghai certainly has strong Western flavor.
3. Shopping Paradise
Shanghai offers a shopping experience that you will never forget. Whether or not you are a shopaholic, there are various shopping areas selling anything imaginable that you will surely find worth a look. The main shopping streets like Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road offer the latest selections of luxury goods, while in numerous traditional outdoor markets you will get a unique taste of old Shanghai.
4. Colorful Nightlife
Being a sleepless city, Shanghai’s dynamic life goes on way beyond the daylight hours. It is a city of colorful nightlife. It has a diverse cultural flavor, with cinemas showing foreign and Chinese films, and theatres featuring opera, dance, drama, acrobatics and puppets. There are also numerous night clubs and bars which are open until the sun comes up.
5. Convenient Transportation
As the most metropolitan city in China, Shanghai is very accessible. Shanghai can be reached by plane, by train, by bus and by ship. Elevated highways are everywhere.
