Shanghai is the largest city in China and the most populous city in the world. Located on the banks of the River Yangtze , Shanghai is a modern city with a strong economy, an urbanized landscape and over all cosmopolitan atmospheres. In Chinese , Shanghai literally means “Above the Sea”. It is one of the few cities in the world to record very high GDP growth on a regular basis.
Shanghai has a colorful history. Originally part of the Songjiang District and an acknowledged Sea Port during the rule of the Song Dynasty, it has grown enormously as a business and trade center . It officially became a city in 1553 when a city wall was built to protect the people from raiders and pirates. Shanghai was not considered suitably important till the 19 th century, which explains why there is a dearth of Historical landmarks in the city. Whatever ancient monuments exist are from the Sun Wu Period of 222 to 280 AD. In the 19 th century, Shanghai's potential as a trading point between the Mainland and the West was realized. Shanghai thereafter had a roller coaster history. Since 1842, after the First Opium War , when Shanghai became an international port , the British, the French, the Americans and the Japanese have variously controlled the city. During the two World Wars , there was also an exodus of Europeans to the Far East . There are foreign settlements all over the city and the multicultural influence has shaped the city's cosmopolitan character. The Chinese finally regained control of the city in 1937. In 1949, the People's Liberation Army took over Shanghai's administration. Shanghai is politically one of the most important regions because of its high economic status .
WEATHER IN SHANGHAI
Shanghai has a typical subtropical type of climate. The temperatures reach a maximum of 32 o C in summer with heavy rain in June and July. Winters begin in December and have freezing weather. Spring comes in March and is easily the most beautiful season. Humidity is high through the year.
TRAVEL IN SHANGHAI
The transport system is fairly efficient in Shanghai . There is a well organized bus service and also a modern Metro Service . Even though Bicycling is popular in the rest of China, it is illegal on many of the main city streets. There are Traffic Assistants who take care of safe pedestrian traffic. There are two airports – Hongqiao and Pudong which handle heavy Air traffic.
THINGS TO DO
Things to do while in Shanghai -
- Visit major attractions like the Bund showcasing a number of Architectural styles or the beautiful Yuyuan Gardens in the old city or the residences of historical figures such as Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai -Shek .
- Visiting traditional shops going back to over hundred years. Beijing Da Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Store, Hengdali Watch and Clock Company and the Yellow Star Fan Shop have unique products and an old world charm.
- Taking a walk down the different specialty Streets . Interesting routes are the Fuzhou Road Cultural Street, Huanghe Road for Gourmet Food, and Liuying Road for Lamps and Lanterns, Dongtai Road for Antiques.
- Shanghai has a vibrant nightlife and one can visit jazzy nightclubs at Waihai Road and the City Centre.
- Shanghai is a high fashion hub, hence the name Paris of the East , there are fashion showings happening on almost a daily basis. Along with the best in Western fashion, one can also try the Cheongsam , an extremely fashionable dress of Manchurian origin.
