Shanghai is the largest city in China in terms of population and one of the largest urban areas in the world, with over 20 million people in its extended metropolitan area.
Shanghai began as a fishing village in the 11th century, but by the mid-18th century it was an important area for growing cotton and by the 1800s it was becoming the largest city in China. Foreigners came into Shanghai due to foreign trade after the Opium Wars. The British, along with the Americans and French, were allowed to live in certain territorial zones without being under the Chinese laws. As a result of all the foreigners, Shanghai became greatly influenced by Western culture, but things changed dramatically after Communism took over.
The best time to visit Shanghai is autumn. The temperature during this period is mild and rain is less likely than in spring and summer. Shanghai's weather is moderate (annual average temperature is about 15 degrees centigrade) and the seasons are not as distinct as in the North. Shanghai is characterized by a warm spring, hot summer, cool autumn and cold winter. Shanghai receives abundant rainfall and the average annual precipitation is over 1000 cm. The "Plum Flower Rain" season (frequent light rain) is from from mid-June to early July with an average daily rainfall of 259 mm. During July and September, strong storms with torrential rain become frequent. However, it seldom snows in Shanghai.
Shanghai is the biggest port in China and it is a center of technique, trade, finance, information and culture. And also it is one of the biggest cities in the world and a famous international port. The Bund has evolved into a center for international finance and trade. Shanghai is the largest industrial base in China. The output of steels is in the first place of the iron and steel industry in China. Oil and chemistry industries are developing in a high speed. The car industry forms the producing system which can approach the international level. Shipbuilding, machine, textile, instrument and some other traditional industries are developing in the adjustment. Computer, biomedicine project, micro-electron, laser skills and more high and new technical industries are risen abruptly under the wave of open and reform policy. Shanghai is the biggest commercial center in China; it emerges its enchanting bearing in the grand and smooth atmosphere.
Since 1978, China has adopted the education policy of "nine-year compulsory schooling system", which means all children are required to attend school for at least nine years. During the period, students will finish both the primary school program and the junior middle-school program. For higher education, students must pass examinations of all levels. The main task of higher education in China is to train specialists for all the sectors of the country's development. Universities, colleges and institutes, which make up China's higher educational system, offer four- or five-year undergraduate programs as well as special two-or three year programs. Students who have completed a first degree may apply to enter graduate schools.
Taxis are the preferred mode of transport for visitors in Shanghai. The metered Volkswagen cabs in primary colours are easy to identify and plentiful. Self-driving in a rental car is not a good option in the teeming tangle of streets, and visitors are required to submit their driver's license in order to obtain a license, which will be given back on leaving the country. Many visitors opt to join the city's estimated seven million cyclists and rent bicycles from their hotels or one of the numerous hire shops in the city. To cover longer distances the Shanghai subway is the perfect solution, covering the downtown area. It is still being extended, ultimately to connect to the airports. Public buses are extremely cheap, but very uncomfortable and inconvenient, being hot, crowded, unreliable and preyed on by pickpockets.
Pudong New Area, is a district of Shanghai, China that enjoys sub-provincial administrative status. It is named "Pudong" because of its location on the east side of the Huangpu river, on the opposite of Puxi, the west side. Since the beginning of its development in 1990 when plans were first announced, Pudong has become a New Open Economic Development Zone, and has emerged as China's financial and commercial hub. Many foreign banks and insurance companies have opened Shanghai offices in Pudong.
Shanghai, modern metropolis with its rich heritage of ancient Chinese culture, has much to see and do. Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the modern symbol of Shanghai City. Standing beside the Huangpu River and the Bund with a height of 468 meters (1536 feet), it is the tallest TV tower in Asia and the third highest in the world. This unusual structure that dominates the skyline is a great attraction to tourists.
Yuyuan Garden is the largest of Shanghai's ancient gardens with architectural styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The garden has six areas, each with its own style. The Grand Rockery, in the center of the Garden, is the most renowned sight here.
Another sight not be missed is the Bund. Situated on the east bank of the Huangpu River, here, one can enjoy the bracing air and fine sunshine as well as seeing something of the many activities along the river.
One of China's most beloved cultural celebrations is the Moon Festival in autumn, marking the end of the harvest season. Main symbol of the festival is the baking and eating of Moon Cakes: round pastries with sweet fillings. In Shanghai the favourite filling is red bean paste. Houses are decorated with coloured animal-shaped paper lanterns and altars are piled with round fruits to symbolise the shape of the moon. The evening is spent moon-gazing and enjoying the company of family, before enjoying a feast at midnight.
New Year starts with a bang in Shanghai, where exuberant and exceedingly loud fireworks displays rock the city all night long on this, China's most merry of celebrations. Not everyone appreciates the scale of the fireworks, but traditionally the noise is necessary to frighten off evil spirits for the coming year. During the national holiday the Bund and clubs throughout the city are thronged with revellers, making for a city-wide party.
