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Shanghai (上海 Shànghǎi) is the largest and most developed city in China. Shanghai was the largest and most prosperous city in the Far East already during the 1930's, and has remained the most developed city in mainland China. In the past 20 years Shanghai has again become an attractive city for tourists from all over the world.
In this racing cosmopolitan city of 18 millions inhabitants, the world falls at your feet. As China's most prominent pinnacle of modernism, change, there are few cities which can rival her promise of opportunity and excitement. Catapult yourself into the future - whether it be at 431 km per hour on the Maglev, Shanghai's original 'Bullet Train', or on one of her sweeping highways.
An evolving landscape:After nightfall new buildings spring out of the city's fertile ground like mushrooms, whilst old concrete complexes are silently demolished. As a resident of Shanghai you will too become trapped in her limbo between past, present, and future. Witness developments unravel in front of your eyes; buildings climb in the space of months. Yet, turn a corner and meet unexpected peaceful residential areas still untouched from former decades, wet clothes hanging to dry from windows, and curious smells from local food stalls. Turn yet another corner and be astounded by the stunning colonial architecture of the early twentieth century, when decadence and reveling set days and nights ablaze.
The energy and magnetism that Shanghai exerts is impressionable. Caught in the headlights of the world both economically and culturally, Shanghai is without doubt a city in transit. Only to and from where exactly, we still don't quite know. Come, explore and make up your mind for yourself.
Shanghai is split in two by the Huangpu River. On the west bank is Puxi, the older city center, while the newer sky-rise development on the east side is called Pudong.
Shanghai's climate is temperate, officially classified as a humid subtropical climate. Summer temperatures at noontime can hit 35-36°C with very high humidity. Thunderstorms also occur relatively often during the summer. In contrast winter temperatures rarely rise above 10°C, and often fall below 0°C at midnight.
The language of the streets is Shanghainese, however, with Shanghai having been the commercial centre of China since the 1920's, standard Mandarin is understood and spoken fluently by almost everybody, including most of the elderly. While you are more likely to encounter an English speaker in Shanghai than in any other mainland Chinese city, they still are not common.
It's easy to get around anywhere in Shanghai. Although the city is large (the largest and most populated city in China), all parts of it are fairly accessible in timely manner. Subways, local buses, and taxis are the main modes of transportation. Typical commute time is anywhere between 30 minutes - 1 hour, not too bad. Subways are packed during rush hours in the morning and evening, allowing you to experience the big city life. Bicycles are also a huge mode of transportation that both locals and foreigners take to. With 13 subway lines, buses all over the city for 2 RMB, and taxi fares that start at 14 RMB before 11pm and 18 RMB after, it is easy to get from one place to another in Shanghai at a low price.
Shanghai is one of the safest cities in the world. It is generally safe from violent crime. Just be aware of pick-pocketers and scamming salesmen. In general enjoy walking around the city during all hours of the day or night without feeling unsafe. For females this is especially good to know, and for parents, there is nothing to worry about.
As one of the most fashionable cities in the world, shopping in Shanghai is endless and widespread. There are a myriad of large shopping malls, small shops lining the streets, and local street vendors selling everything from fashionable clothes items to practical household needs. International fashion brands have glamorous stores of their own in the city, while copies of these fashion brands are sold throughout the city. There are all sorts of different markets you can visit, some outdoors or indoors - ie. antique markets, cricket markets (and other small critters), fabric markets for tailor-made clothes, or even the weekly Friday morning Muslim market for anything non-Han Chinese. Bargaining is a commonly used skill when dealing with shopkeepers and street vendors. Bargaining down 2/3 of the asking price is the best rule of thumb, but don't be duped by the ostentatious exterior that can appear to be of great quality no matter what the vendor may boast. Nonetheless, there are many things you can buy for cheap that is worth the money you pay. Shopping is certainly a large aspect of the Shanghai lifestyle.
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