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Along with Beijing and Tianjin, Shanghai is one of China's largest
cities with a population of nearly 13 million. Shanghai is under direct central government control and covers and area
approximately 6,341 square kilometres. The city proper, which occupies 750 square km, is strategically situated on the
banks of the Huangpu near the mouth of the Yangtze and is home to more than half of Shanghai's total population.
Shanghai was a town of importance from the 13th century when it became a county seat and was
located in the area now known as the old town, which until the early part of the 20th century had its own wall. The
colonial legacy of Shanghai is a bizarre one as treaties in the 19th century yielded areas of the city to the British,
the French and then the Americans. Modern day Shanghai still has some visible signs of this colonialism with suburban
English or French villas and Liverpool waterfront mirroring a European city in a Chinese setting. The newly opened
Economic Development Zone of Pudong is situated close to the city proper occupying 518 square kilometres in area.
Within this new area is the Free Trade Zone of Waigaoqiao Bonded Area which generates billions of dollars from both
Chinese and foreign investors.
Today, Shanghai is an epicentre concentrated with industry, trade and commerce, technology, finance, transportation
and communication. Known as a nightless city, many shops open for business at night under flashing neon lights.
Therefore, people from all over the world come to this cosmopolitan city where they can better understand Chinese
society of the past and present.
Nanpu Bridge
Stretching 8.5 km, Nanpu Bridge is the world's second largest and
tallest twin-towered, double-cabled draw bridge. Each side of the bridge has computerized lifts taking sightseers to
the top of the 150 m towers. The capacity of the bridge itself is phenomenal. With a net height of 46 metres,
50,000 tonne vessels can easily pass through. The bridge looks even more spectacular at night with over 600 lamps
lighting it up. Nanpu Bridge is located across the Huangpu River, in the southeast of Shanghai. It is open to visitors
January to May and October to December from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and June to October from 8:30 am to 10 pm.
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is a shopping haven; it is Shanghai's Robson Street or
Rodeo Drive. One of the busiest streets in China, it is a shopper's paradise, offering an array of stores, restaurants,
sweet shops and night clubs. A must see for all visitors to Shanghai!
Zhujiajiao
This ancient town located near
Shanghai has a history of 1700 years. Zhujiajiao is an
ancient water town that is well-known all across China.
This town is sometimes referred to as the 'Pearl Stream'.
The old fashion bridges are incredibly unique and
especially the river boats makes Zhujiajiao are a must
visit destination.
Yu Yuan Garden
This Ming Dynasty garden is a fine example of miniature landscaping
and occupies an area of 2 hectares. Dating back to 1559, Yu Yuan Garden is a breathtaking beauty, offering 40 scenic
attractions of intricate design including beautiful pavilions, miniature lakes, bridges and rocks. The garden is
located in the ancient City God Temple.
Huangpu River
The Huangpu River flows through the city of Shanghai. Cruise on this
110 km river and view Shanghai's urban buildings, new industrial zones and the Yangtze River estuary in style.
The Bund
The Bund is derived from the Anglo-Indian word meaning "quay."
The Shanghai Bund is about 2 km long and a half-day should be devoted to a walk through the area or take a harbour cruise
to the Yangtze mouth. Located at the mouth of the Huangpu River, the Bund proper, known as Revolution Boulevard during
the Cultural Revolution, consists almost entirely of pre-1949 buildings in grandiose style.
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