Shanghai is a scintillating, modern city with a population of 18.7 million situated on the Huang Pu River that feeds into the Yangtze in the central-eastern part of China. A coastal city on the Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai is mostly flat and low. It is the largest industrial city in China. Shanghai literally means “on the sea” in Chinese. While it can`t match the long and epic history of Beijing or the amazing sights at Xi`an, Shanghai is at the centre of modern China. No tour of China would be complete without a visit to this cosmopolitan city.
Shanghai is one of the most important Chinese destinations for visitors from all over the world, either on vacation in China or on business travel to China. For those on a China holiday, wishing to do some sightseeing in Shanghai, the Bund, its riverside area, and Frenchtown are the best places to see its rather decadant past.
Shanghai is divided by the Huang Pu River and thus has two main parts. Puxi, meaning west of the river, is the larger and home to the older districts of Shanghai and most interesting to those on a China holiday. Pudong, or east of the river, is the area that stretches to the sea and is full of new developments and skyscrapers.
Many people on a China holiday visit Shanghai for it`s wonderful department stores and today Shanghai is fast rivalling Hong Kong as a shopper’s heaven. Bring some extra spending money – you’ll need it.
Many years ago Shanghai was a small fishing village. In some ways the city can now be seen as a Western invention.
Why not view our articles about vacations in China. All the major places such as Beijing, Hong Kong, Macau, Guilin, Hangzhou, Sanya, Xian, Suzhou, Xiamen, Nanjing are covered. If you're planning a vacation in China be sure to check out these pages.
