Shanghai is China’s biggest and most prosperous city. As one of China’s greatest economic and cultural centers, Shanghai enjoy a name of the Oriental Paris. Due to its modern development history, Shanghai boasts a blended culture of the east and the west and the city rivals New York and Paris in terms of modernity. Having long been a tourist destination, Shanghai is famous for historical relics as well as modern skyscrapers. Shanghai has something for everyone and you will never get bored in this dynamic metropolis.
Easily China's richest city, Shanghai is now a blueprint for the country, one that developing cities across the country seek enviously to imitate - replete with hundreds of futuristic skyscrapers, glitzy restaurants, bars, hotels and levels of urban affluence, brand awareness and shopping savvy that compete with rival Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok.
City Impression
The biggest city in China
"Oriental Paris”
Biggest Industrial base, largest foreign trade port
The host city of World Expo, 2010
- History
- Location and Climate
- Area and Population
History of Shanghai
Shanghai has a history dated back 5,000 years ago when it is known as the home of Songze Culture. The area experienced many ups and downs during the Spring and Autumn and the Warring States periods and it was first officially named as Shanghai during the Song Dynasty. During Yuan Dynasty, the town became a vast county that consisted of today’s Shanghai and the neighboring countries of Qingpu, Nanhui and Chuansha.
Shanghai then became a crucial trading port and one of the largest textile bases in the country during the Ming Dynasty. After the Opium War in 1843, the city became foreign concessions that under the administration of several foreign powers like Britain, France and the US.
On July 7, 1927, Shanghai was proclaimed as a ‘special municipality’ for its economic importance to the Republic of China. After the Second World War, the foreign concessions were returned to China. And on May 27, 1949, Shanghai was liberated from Kuoming Party rule. In that year, many of its foreign firms relocated to then British-ruled Hong Kong.
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Location and Climate
Shanghai is located in the middle of China's coastline, bordering on the East China Sea in the east, lying at the estuary of Yangtze River and covering a coastline of 200 kilometers. It is China's most populous city and one of the largest in the world. It is also the confluence where Yangtze River and Qiantang River flowing into the sea.
Because of its location in the subtropical zone and bordering the East China Sea, the city has a subtropical maritime monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine and rainfall. Spring and autumn are relatively short compared with summer and winter. The average annual temperature is around 16 centi-degrees. Spring in Shanghai is from March to May. Spring flowers in bloom make the city lively and attractive. The temperature is comfortable around 20 C (68 F). Light rain happens however will not disturb your trip. Long-sleeved shirts, thin sweaters or coats are suitable for this time.
Summer in Shanghai is long from June to September. With high temperature and abundant rainfall, the city can be very sweltering at this time. The highest temperature occurs in July or August. For 10 days or so in these two months, the temperature can be above 35 C (95 F). You should better avoid the hottest time around 14:00. Wear cool clothes such as T-shirts and shorts and drink more water to prevent yourself from getting heatstroke.
Generally, the cool autumn is the ideal time for visiting Shanghai with mild temperatures and little rain. Shanghai's rain season is from mid-June to early July. This lasts for nearly one month commencing in early summer when the plums ripen along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. During this period, the rainfall often equals 25% of the city's annual total! Showers alternate with sunshine and the weather is really hard to predict. The period is known as a 'Plum Rain Season' (Meiyu Season). The coldest period is from the end of January to early February - usually during the Chinese Spring Festival. January is the coldest month, with a temperature average of 3°C.
Generally, it is a good idea to be prepared with light clothing in summer and warm, heavy clothing in winter. Also, always prepare for rain by having an umbrella.
The table bellow shows the monthly temperature of Shanghai:
For more information about Shanghai’s climate visit: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/climate/shanghai.htm
Area and Population
(Shanghai Map source: chinahotelsreservation.com)
Shanghai covers a total area of 6,340.5 square kilometers, of which the city proper occupies an area of 2,642.6 square kilometers. Shanghai is one of the most populous cities in China. It is estimated that Shanghai's population totaled 18.88 million (including Han, Hui, Manchu and other minorities with 12.7 million in urban areas) at the end of 2009.
Shanghai is administratively equal to a province and is divided into 18 county-level divisions: 17 districts and 1 county. There is no single downtown district in Shanghai; the urban core is scattered across several districts. Prominent central business areas include Lujiazui on the East bank, and The Bund and Hongqiao areas in the West Bank. The city hall and major administration units are located in Huangpu District, which also serve as a commercial area, including the famous Nanjing Road. Other major commercial areas include the classy Huaihai Road and newly developed Xintiandi in Luwan district and Xujiahui in Xuhui District. Many universities in Shanghai are located in residential areas of Yangpu District and Putuo District.
