Shanghai China Travel

Shanghai is the most populous city in China and one of the world's major ports. It was established more than 700 years ago at the tip of the Changjiang River Delta on the East China Sea. By 1816, more than half a million people lived in Shanghai, and it became a thriving commercial centre.

The municipality of Shanghai is under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Government of the People's Republic of China. Population density in the central city is very high at 8,265 people per square kilometer.

The main causes of Shanghai's rapid population growth in the 1950's was due to natural increase and unregulated in-migration from the outskirts of the city. Factors responsible for the stabilization of population after that period include the success of the Government family planning programme, and a successful decentralization programme that developed satellite towns which absorbed much of the growing urban population.

Shanghai has a significant heavy industry sector, primarily, machinery manufacturing, textiles and steel. The city produces a large percentage of the power generation equipment and ships in China. Proximity to the cotton-growing regions of China and access to the coast for easy international transportation have contributed to the strategic importance of the city.

After the 1949 revolution, city planning in China emphasized integrated industrial centres consisting of complementary industries clustered together, with workers' housing nearby, so that employees were within walking distance of their workplace. The same design principles have been applied in Shanghai to more than 150 integrated developments built since 1949.

Almost all households have access to piped water, electricity and garbage collection. The solid waste in Shanghai, which has a high organic content, is carried to the surrounding rural areas and provinces and used as fertilizer. Non-organic waste is reused in pit filling or brick making, or it is sold to the recycling stations.

Infrastructure and environmental problems of the city are in the form of housing shortages and air and water pollution. Heavy dependence on coal as a source of fuel for both industrial energy and residential heating in Shanghai has resulted in significant air pollution. Shanghai has the highest cancer mortality rate in China. Also, a daily flow of approximately 4 million cubic meters of untreated human waste enters the Huangpu River creating a serious water pollution and supply problem.

Contrary to the master plan of 1953 which sought to increase the population of Shanghai, current policy seeks the continued success of decentralization from Shanghai to the seven satellite towns built around the city.

Like many international metropoli composed of immigrants, Shanghai is a bustling boom town. Rapidly becoming a world economic powerhouse, there is more construction occurring in Shanghai than anywhere else on Earth.

For the traveler there is also a variety of things to do. Situated on the banks of the Yangtze River delta and being one of the largest cargo ports in the world, there are trips down that mammoth waterway daily.

Once largely a den of thieves and prostitutes and the center of China's opium trade, business in the "City on the Sea" has evolved. It now hosts the country's stock market alongside thousands of other businesses. Home to some of the finest restaurants, one of the world's largest hotels and high rise buildings, Shanghai has moved well beyond its grimy past.

The Bund (Wai Tan) is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Shanghai. Despite the German sounding name, the area retains its international flavor.

Neo-classical buildings and a waterfront promenade attract thousands daily. Tourists jostle with the local street vendors while admiring the 1925 Nissin Kisen Kaisha Shipping building. The restaurant on the seventh floor is a local favorite.

Others prefer the roof terrace restaurant at the 1916 Union Assurance building. From here, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Pudong, the center of Shanghai's resurgence as a major world city.

High-priced boutiques offer shopping that even a Parisian or Manhattanite will envy. Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren and dozens of others now have stores here.

After 400 years in existence, the Yu Yuan Gardens retain their reputation as one of the city's most sought out tourist destinations. The botanical treasure trove offers five acres of Chinese creativity in horticulture.

Xintiandi is another of Shanghai's many refurbished areas. It's now home to elegant restaurants and upscale clubs, yet retains many features of its 19th century architecture.

The Ten Thousand-Flower Pavilion, Grand Rockery, Hall of Jade Magnificence and other sections will each offer sights and aromas to anyone looking for an oasis in the busy metropolis.

One of the newer additions to Shanghai's burgeoning list of attractions is the Shanghai Museum. Opened in 1996, it features 11 modern galleries that display both ancient and contemporary artifacts.

Be sure to allow at least a week to see Shanghai properly. Even at that, you'll find that – like visiting Manhattan – there will still be more to see on a second trip.

Shanghai is known for the "Oriental Paris" and "Pearl of China". It is the economic, financial and cultural center in the nation. It serves as the largest base of Chinese industrial technology, the important seaport and China's largest commercial and financial center.

What makes Shanghai attractive are the many different styles of architecture and design throughout the city. The Sightseeing, Business and Shopping centered upon People's Square and along the Huangpu River; the city's Cultural Center with its public activities and community facilities; and the main Entertainment and Holiday Tourism area located at Mt. Sheshan, Chongming Island, Dingshan Lake and Shenshuigang Area are a proof of Modern Shanghai.

Shanghai is a spectacularly modern city. The pace of development here is unbelievable. At present, 17% of the world's cranes are in the city and developers boast that the city is changing at a rate incomparable to anywhere else in the world ever.

In addition, Shanghai is a shopper's paradise. Nanjing Road is a must for for tourists. Huaihai Road caters for those with modern and fashionable tastes, while Sichuan North Road meets the demands of ordinary folk. Besides, Xujiahui Shopping Center, Yuyuan Shopping City, Jiali Sleepless City are popular destinations for those who are seeking to buy something special as a souvenir.

Like other cities throughout the country, Shanghai celebrates all Chinese public holidays, such as Spring Festival, International Labor Day, Children's Day National Day and etc. In addition to National Vocation, Shanghai's regional folk festivals add their own touch of traditional jubilation to city life. On every Spring Festival Eve, local people swarm to Longhua Temple to toll the bell to celebrate the coming New Year. The Shanghai International Tea Culture Festival is held during April. In May there is the International Dragon Boat Race in the Qingpu District. Established in 1993, there is the Shanghai International Film Festival. This is the only international film festival to be held in mainland. The Shanghai Tourism Festival is held during September and October; this brings a wide variety of celebrations and activities.

Every year, the Shanghai Formula One World Championship will be held in Shanghai in Oct. In September, 2004, the Shanghai Formula One World Championship was held for the first time in China. This prestigious event which is the world's fastest, most expensive motoring competition with the highest of technical standards helps to promote the image of Shanghai's economic development and tourism industry and brings commercial opportunity to the city. Shanghai also hosts many other international competitions and conventions, such as the APEC Convention, International Ballet Competitions, etc.

Museums, galleries, restaurants and bars have emerged in the past few years, which has been another main point appealing to tourists. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Mansion and Pudong International Airport are the modern symbols of an international metropolis.The heydays of the 1920s and 30s and the newfound wealth in the city are making Shanghai a place with a fabulous and optimistic style and attitude.