Welcome to Shanghai
Shanghai, situated on the banks of the Yangtze River Delta in East China, is the
largest city of the People's Republic of China and the seventh largest in the world.
Widely regarded as the citadel of China's modern economy, the city also serves as
one of the nation's most important cultural, commercial, financial, industrial and
communications centers. Administratively, Shanghai is a municipality of the People's
Republic of China that has province-level status. Shanghai is also one of the world's
busiest ports, and became the largest cargo port in the world in 2005.
Climate
Shanghai summers are hot and humid with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius.
The rainy season hits in June, while fall is mostly mild. In winter (January to February)
temperatures can reach below freezing. Spring begins again in March.
Attractions
Shanghai has precious few sights on the scale of the Forbidden City or the Great Wall,
but it is overflowing with treasures such as its colonial neighborhoods, historic homes,
museums, parks, and shopping avenues. The city's four top attractions include the Bund,
Yu Yuan (the Old Town), the Shanghai Museum, and the Huangpu River Cruise.
Dining
Tackling Hairy Crab:
The signature dish of Shanghai is absolutely delicious although it is seasonal,
and best enjoyed at a big local restaurant.
Rooftop Dining on the Bund:
Whether it's world-class cuisine on the open-air balcony, or enjoying a romantic dinner
catered for by world-renowned chefs, dining high above Asia's most famous street is a heady experience not to be missed.
Eating Xiao Long Bao:
You must try Shanghai's favorite dumpling while you're here. Not doing so is tantamount,
in some circles, to not having been to Shanghai at all. The steamed breads spill broth
in your mouth when you bite into them.
Shopping
Even before economic reforms in China kicked into high gear in the 1990s,
Shanghai was a shopper's paradise. All across the country, the Chinese dreamed of
making one visit to the great port, not to sightsee, but to shop.