Shanghai Overview

Choose a City guide Yangtze River Hong Kong Beijing Xi'an Shanghai Guilin weqrqwrqwr

Shanghai, Hu for short, is situated on the banks of the Yangtze River Delta in East China, guarding the gateway of the Yangtze River in the north, facing the sea in the east and bordering the scenic city of Hangzhou Bay in the south. It is one of the four municipalities directly under the Central Government as well as the largest city of the China and the seventh largest in the world. With a population of about 18 million, it is also one of the most populous and most developed cities in China. Widely regarded as the citadel of China's modern economy, the city serves as one of the nation's most important cultural, commercial, financial, industrial and communications centers.

It is one of the six best travel sites in China. With its abundant beautiful gardens, cultural relics, museums and temples, Shanghai attracts thousands of visitors both at home and abroad every year.

Area Code: 021

Zip Code: 200003

Location: East coast of China. On mouth of the Yangtze River and Pacific Ocean.

Climate: sub-tropical climate. Mild and humid with four distinct seasons. It has a mean annual temperature of 15℃ -- the hottest month, August, averaging 28℃ and the coldest month, January, 3℃ -- and a mean annual precipitation of 1,100 mm. It is often visited by typhoons between summer and autumn.

Area: 6340 square kilometers (2642 square kilometers in urban area)

Population: 17.78 million （5.81 million are floating population）

Ethnic Groups: Besides the Han nationality, there are 39 minority nationalities, such as Hui, Manchu, living in Shanghai.

dining

Shanghai cuisine, known as Hu cuisine, is the youngest of the ten major cuisines in China. Originated in the Ming and Qing dynasties, Shanghai cuisine, with a history of over 400 years, was traditionally called Benbang cuisine. 

Taking Benbang cuisine as base, Shanghai cuisine has adopted certain merits of Beijing, Shandong, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Suzhou cuisines and formed a complex flavor structure, cooking style and technique norms of its own. It stresses using condiments and keeping the original flavors of the materials and has features of being fresh, smooth and crispy. 

Through years of culinary practice and the assimilation of the art in other styles of cuisine, Shanghai chefs have created a style of cuisine peculiar to the region. The representatives of Shanghai cuisines include: Xiao Long Bao, Da Zha Xie, xiefen shizitou, drunken chicken, etc.

Da Zha Xie (Hairy Crabs)
Although not produced in Shanghai, Da Zha Xie is really the most famous cate here. The crab of Shanghai is from Yangchenghu Lake. Late autumn is the best time to eat Da Zha Xie. Only in the autumn, the Da Zha Xie from Yangchenghu Lake is rich in fat and ovary.

Da Zha Xie cold be served in many ways. Steaming is the most popular one through which the original flavor of crab would be maintained. When you eat steamed crab, you may dip them into some sauce made of vinegar and ginger and you will find it fresh and delicious. 

Xiao Long Bao (Little Dragon Bun)

Xiao Long Bao, widely known as Xiao Long Man Tou (bun) to natives, is the most famous snack in Shanghai. These buns are traditionally steamed in bamboo baskets, hence the name. Unlike the buns in northern China, these buns are very small and easy to swallow. Xiao Long Bao is traditionally filled with soup and meat, but variations include seafood and vegetarian fillings, as well as other possibilities. The skin of the buns is very thin and the bun is very juicy. 

Traditionally, the Xiao Long Bao is classified to a dianxin (Dim Sum) or snack item. But now, it gradually becomes a popular as a dish in a main meal. Xiao Long Bao is served hot. It is dipped in vinegar with ginger slivers, and is traditionally served with a light, clear soup. Nanxiang Mantou Dian and Ding Tai Feng are all good choice to taste Xiao Long Bao.

shopping

Shanghai is usually reputed as the shopping paradise and oriental Paris. When you travel to Shanghai, one thing should not be omitted besides sightseeing is going shopping. There are department stores, shopping centers, hundred year old shops, shops for special commodities and supermarkets row upon row with each showing its own domain. The famous, special and superb commodities from home and abroad are a feast for eyes with everything that one could wish for.

Shanghai is famous for its clothing and fashions. Products are of great quality and come for a good price. Nevertheless, in high class boutiques, you will not find bargains. 

Major Commercial Areas:

Huaihai Road:

Huaihai Road has a history of over 100 years. As early as a half of century ago, Huaihai Road has been a very famous commercial street and enjoyed the fame of Oriental Paris Commercial Street. Nowadays, the harmonious combination of the western and eastern cultures is the distinctive feature in this street. Brightly lit at night and always busy, this is a good road for people watching and shopping. 

The commodities in Huaihai Road are not only rich in variety but also have a complete structure, which could meet the needs of consumers from all classes. The most prosperous section of Huaihai Road is the 2.2 km-long commercial street from Shaanxi Road to Tibet Road. Over 400 modernized shops are lined in this section selling high and medium grades things. The large shops like the Huating Esetan, the Paris Spring and the Shanghai No.2 Yongxin Department Store all can be found there, which is specially favored by the working classes. 

Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road): 

Nanjing Road, widely known as the No. 1 shopping street in China, is located near the Bund with the total length of 5.5 kilometers. It stretches from the Bund east towards Hongqiao, with Shanghai's center point People's Square in the middle. It is the symbol as well as the main shopping street in Shanghai city. 

Taking Tibet Road as the midpoint, Nanjing Road is divided into two parts: East Nanjing Road and West Nanjing Road. Generally speaking, East Nanjing Road is more historical but these days a little down market, while West Nanjing Road is brash, modern and caters more to the status-conscious luxury shopper.

entertainment

Shanghai is the right city in China for entertainment. As the birthplace of China’s film and the site for one of the most famous World Film Festivals, Shanghai has many top-class cinemas, which could give you unequaled visual effects. Besides, it also has a number of performance troupes famed at home and abroad, such as Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Ballet Troupe, Shanghai Kunqu Opera Company, Shanghai Beijing Opera Company, Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe and Shanghai Shaoxing Opera Theatre, etc.

Bar culture has already become a necessary part of culture in Shanghai. Nobody could tell how many bars are in Shanghai. Not all the people go to bars for drink. With various activities, such as parties, vocal concerts and conferences, entering into the bars, bars have become a common place to relax.

transportation

Airport

There are two main train stations in Shanghai.

highlights