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.
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.
The ex-president of the United States, George W. Bush who firstly visited Shanghai , once said meaningfully Shanghai comes back again ! When he shortly stayed in Shanghai, he told the world-renowned magnates in business circles that the miraculous change and dreamlike development of Shanghai in all aspects has showed the success, creativity and versatility of Chinese people,
Shanghai is cut into two major parts – Puxi (the west part) and Pudong (the east part) – by its mother Huangpu River.
As with other big cities, Shanghai is also divided into several districts. Downtown area, which consists of five districts, lies in the center of the city.
As an international hub, Shanghai attracts myriads of foreigners every year, contributing to a local housing market boom and adding vitality and business opportunities to the city.
Chinese souvenirs are available in almost every corner of the city. But for quality souvenirs at a good price, we would recommend you two places where a collection of souvenir shops or dealers can be found.
For those coming from out-of-town, buying souvenirs for friends and loved ones at home is a mission indispensable. In many cases the success of a trip depends on the quality of the souvenirs.
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.
Mandarin is the standard spoken language in China. To make life even more difficult, locals also speak the Shanghai dialect, or Shanghainese, which sounds very different from Mandarin, although you probably won’t notice for a while! English is not yet widely understood by locals - your best bet is to speak to someone young if you need help, as their English tends to be pretty good.What do people in Shanghai speak?
Spring (March to mid May): The most pleasant time of year, but the shortest season. Wear a thin jumper and possibly a light coat in the evenings. Sunglasses necessary!
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THE sprawling metropolis started out as a tiny fishing village 800 years ago in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), when China was ruled by Mongolian leader Kublai Khan. At this same time, explorer Marco Polo was undertaking an epic journey around Asia (lasting 24 years!), in which he traveled across the whole of China and even hung out with Kublai Khan! And it was to be another three centuries until Christopher Columbus landed on the coast of America.
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