Shanghai Facts

Location: east of China

Area: 7,037 square kilometers

Population: 18,884,600

 

Located on China's central eastern coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is the largest city in China and also one of the largest metropolis areas in the world. As a municipality, Shanghai is the economic and finacial center of China, meanwhile a top tourist city. In the section, ShanghaiFocus provides you with all-round and useful information as your guide when traveling in Shanghai.

 

Administrative divisions: Shanghai is administratively equal to a province and can be divided into 19 county-level divisions: 18 districts(Huangpu, Luwan, Xuhui, Changning,Jing'an, Putuo, Zhabei, Hongkou, Yangpu, Pudong New District, Baoshan, Minhang, Jiading, Jinshant, Songjiang, Qingpu, Nanhuit, Fengxian District, and one county (Chongming County)

 

 

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 Grand Gateway 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.

 

 

Shanghai is renowned as a shopping paradise as well, where 4 major commercial centers

 

gather all kinds of goods at different levels. Upscale goods and luxuries concentrate in Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road, while shopping in Sichuan West Road is much less stressful to your wallet. Besides department stores, Cheat Road, a huge featured clothes mall is also worth going, because you can enjoy the fun of bargaining and finding your favorite clothes at a lowest price.>>Shopping in Shanghai

 

Dining in Shanghai will be a fascinating experience. The foods here are so diversified that even the most picky stomach can find his type. You can find the more detailed introduction of Shanghai cuisine and recommended dining places in this section made by ShanghaiFocus.>>Dining in Shanghai

 

Shanghai is a city that never lacks nightlife, so you can find quite a few thriving bar streets and entertainment centers here, blooming deep into the night.>>Shanghai Nightlife

 

 

Transportation in Shanghai is accessible and very convenient. Shanghai is in possession of the largest public transportation network and average daily passenger volume. In the city, there are more than 3,000 roads and 1,200 routes for public transport. The means of transportation are various as you can choose from bus, taxi,subway, LRT, magnetically levitated train, ship and ferry to travel around Shanghai or to other cities. Currently 5 Metro lines are available which connect the most prosperous spots of Shanghai. If you prefer traveling by air, Shanghai will not disappoint you, since it is the only city in China that possesses two international airports-Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, which can directly send people to many major cities and countries in the world. With the help of airport buses, it is also convenient to reach your hotels in town. Three major railway stations can be found in Shanghai, among which Shanghai Railway Station in Zhabei District is of most importance.

 

Tips: During the rush hours( generally 7:30-9:30 a.m and 4:30-6:30 p.m), the extreme busy traffic will be a big problem to travelers, which is the common issue in big cities. It will be wise to rearrange your schedule to avoid the mess. You can call 021-63175522 to inquire the most convenient access before visiting someplace you do not know well.

 

 

Shanghai has subtropical monsoon climate, featuring warm spring, heating summer, cool fall and cold, damp winter. July and August are too hot for traveling while January and Feburary are too cold, and the dampness can make things even worse. Generally speaking, March to May are the most favorable for travelers. The raining seasons in Shanghai is from the middle of June to August, so umbrellas are essential during the period.

 

Since Shanghai is rather well policed, safety will not be a big problem here but some minor thefts still happen from time to time. Anyway, it won't hurt you if you keep an eye on your own property. In China, you can call 110(like 911 in US) to inform police and ask for help.