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Economic heart of China, a modern metropolis with both skyscrapers and traditional lanes.
Shanghai is
China's largest. It is situated in the centre of the coastline where the
Yangtze River meets the East China Sea. Its name means 'on the sea', and most
of the city (including Chongming Island) is only a few metres above sea level.
Once recognised
for it’s rather seedy reputation as the opium hub of the world, modern Shanghai
shines once more as it has rejuvenated itself and attracted a wealth of foreign
investors and tourists. The Shanghai of today has been completely rebuilt – new
high rise buildings are springing up everywhere. However the past hasn’t been
forgotten as among the back streets, you'll still find traditional Chinese gardens and temples.
Shanghai
wears many guises; it is China's industrial and commercial capital, a busy
seaport, a science and technology centre, and home to a vibrant business
community.
Those
travellers who come here don’t come for its scenic beauty or history but rather
for entertainment and relaxation. Walking through the streets it is an amazing
experience just to soak up the vibrant atmosphere whilst marvelling at the
hidden temples, gardens and museums.
Shanghai is
fast becoming an international destination on many people’s ‘wish lists’. In
2004, the year it hosted the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix, Time magazine
called it the ‘world's most happening city.' It is set to take centre
stage again in 2010 when it hosts World Expo.
The best
time of year to visit Shanghai is during the spring and autumn. The peak summer
months (July and August) can be incredibly hot with temperatures reaching 35°C with
80 percent humidity plus most of Shanghai's rain also falls during this time.
September and October can be windy, with the odd typhoon.
The average
monthly temperatures are:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct
|
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
7 |
8 |
12 |
18 |
23 |
27 |
31 |
31 |
27 |
22 |
17 |
10 |
|
Night |
0 |
1 |
5 |
10 |
16 |
20 |
25 |
25 |
21 |
15 |
9 |
2 |
Shanghai
has everything for every type of shopper – whether you enjoy top of the range
shops, middle of the road or traditional markets you are sure to find the
perfect shopping experience.
The most popular shopping area is NanjingLu which provides a run-of-the-mill shopping
experience with everything from clothing to general souvenirs. If you are
looking for something a bit more unique and atmospheric, head for the Yu
Gardens area.
Shopping
malls are everywhere but the biggest, which just happens also to be the largest
in Asia, is Super Brand Mall in Pudong. But if you are looking for something a
bit more upmarket, the best place for western clothing and furniture (and
department stores) is Huaihai Lu.
Haggling is
the name of the game when visiting Shanghai’s markets. These are full of color
and life giving you the opportunity to shop and mingle with the locals. The
biggest and by far the best market is Xiangyang but it can get very crowded and
you need to be aware of pickpockets. Also worth a visits are the Jin Wen flower
market and Dongtai Lu antique market.
Shanghai’s
nightlife is vibrant and colorful – mainly because of the neo lighting that
abounds. It really is quite something to see.
Bars and
clubs tend to come and go quite quickly in Shanghai making it difficult to
recommend anywhere. However, what we can recommend is the areas of the city that
provides most of the entertainment venues.
The most
popular areas, the most colourful after dark, are Xintiandi and The Bund.
Xintiandi is an entertainment area that has been made to look like Old
Shanghai. It sounds a bit tacky but works well and is ideal for drinking,
dancing, and people-watching.
The Hengshan
Lu area is much louder and busier. Here there are numerous cafés, bars, tea
rooms, restaurants, and karaoke bars. The main ex-pat hangout of the city is
Maoming Lu.
Despite the
wealth of things to see and do in Shanghai you may want to make the most of
your time in this beautiful part of the world. Below are just a few nearby
places you might like to visit to enhance your visit to Shanghai.
You should
check with your GP about any recommended vaccinations before traveling.
Medical treatment can be expensive therefore you are strongly advised to ensure
you have sufficient medical insurance in place before traveling.
The tap
water is not considered safe to drink in China and you are therefore advised to
drink bottled water. Crime is not considered a major problem but you should
take the usual precautions when in busy areas.