Shanghai, which literally means the "City on the Sea", lies on the Yangtze River delta at the point where China's main waterway completes its 5,500-km (3,400-mi) journey to the Pacific. Until 1842 Shanghai's location made it merely a small fishing village. After the first Opium War, however, the British named Shanghai a treaty port, opening the city to foreign involvement.

Shanghai boasts Oriental Paris. Featured by modernization and westernization, Shanghai has a large number of western buildings and modern high-rise buildings such as The Bund of Shanghai and  Shanghai World Financial Center. Shanghai is China's most important business and commercial center, and also the world-famous megacity.

By 20th April 2010, there has been 11 lines and 266 stations put into operation in Shanghai rail transit network, while the operation length of rail transit has reached 410km.( Excluding the Maglev Demonstration Line )

Introduction

The city has an advanced telecom infrastructure. Public telephones can be found on most downtown streets. Mobile operators support GSM and CDMA cell phones. Most office buildings have Internet connections and Internet cafes are almost everywhere. It's also easy and inexpensive to install broadband in apartments that you rent, given the permission of your landlord.

Brief introduction

Shopping in Shanghai is a very enjoyable experience. Big brands are setting up branches and small unique shops mushroom at many corners of the city. With a little patience, sharp observation, ability to endure long walks and bargaining skills, you can buy to your heart's content in the commercial capital of China.

About Bank

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When you stay in the city, you should have enough yuan -- China's official currency -- to maintain your daily expenses, rent, food, clothes and incidentals. Some people will say US dollars are accepted in some places here. It won't be convenient for you to live your life depending on US dollars. You'll constantly be looking for somewhere to exchange your dollars for yuan. Except some hotels, resorts or places only for foreigners, you cannot use US dollars or other foreign currencies directly in the city.