 | Shanghai today Shanghai, business and economic capital to the People's Republic of China, is one of the largest metropolises in the world with an ever growing population. Shanghai is a place where life is constantly on the move- a fact which is reflected in the constant construction- the building and the rebuilding of restaurants, offices and shopping malls ever so often. Unlike Beijing which is a fusion of East meets west, Shanghai is much more contemporary and modern. Temples and other historic structures such as the Museums are few and far between. In much greater supply are numerous sky scrapers an |
 | Shanghai back then Historically Shanghai has always been an important city of China. It contributed much to the growth of China due to its budding fishing and textile industries. It grew more in importance since it was the site of foreign trade between the East and the West in the mid 19th century due to its status as a port city. This was the time that the French Concession was established in Shanghai which endured a kind of colonization. The economic success that followed from trade related activities allowed for Shanghai to be one of the most developed cities of China in the 1930s as well as during Communist |
 | Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai This hotel is arguably the best in town, it is both extravagant and luxurious. The location is |  | St. Regis Shanghai This hotel is located in Pudong district. It has a wonderful ambience; the hotel staff is extremely |
 | Portman-Ritz Carlton Hotel Shanghai This hotel is located in the Jing'an District. The location is excellent for the Shanghai Centre inc |  | The Westin Shanghai This hotel is located in Huangpu District in downtown Shanghai. The location is excellent. Bedrooms |
 | Pudong Shangri-la Hotel Located in Pudong District this hotel is the epitome of extravagance. The contemporary exterior is f |  | Taiyuan Villa This hotel is located in Xujiahui district. This former mansion was built in 1920 and the décor is |
 | Madam Mao's dowry This is one of Shanghai's delightful little shops where arts and crafts are available. Beautiful sil |  | Isetan This is a department store for the well off Shanghai resident. There are many boutiques, clothes sho |
 | Shanghai's Number 1 Department Store This is arguably one of Shanghai's most renowned department stores probably because it dates back to |  | Shanghai Centre Some of the most well known designer labels are available here from Louis Vuitton and Cerruti to Car |
 | Raffles City Some of the most well known designer labels are available here from Guess and Swatch to Nike. Local |  | Friendship Store The Friendship Store sells everything you can conceive of from books and antiques to clothes, jewelr |
 | Temple Fair The famous Longhua Pagoda situated in grounds of the Longhua Park is the venue for this annual event |  | Shanghai International Ballet Competition This stupendous competition has participants from more than 14 countries worldwide. It showcases wor |
 | Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai This week long event takes place annually. The venue is the Qi Zhong stadium. Tennis greats come her |  | Lantern Festival Fifteen days after the Chinese New Year, on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month the lantern f |
 | Dragon Boat Festival This annual festival honors and celebrates the Chinese hero Qu Yuan who stood up against the emperor |  | Shanghai Beer Festival The bund is the location of this annual festival lasting well into July. Whilst locals flock to this |
 | Bellagio The décor of this restaurant is chic and sophisticated. It is very popular amongst nostalgic Taiwan |  | Wang Boa He The dishes served here are absolutely divine. Sea food is the specialty, in particular crab, and tha |
 | Lao Tan This restaurant serves quality Chinese food. The meat and vegetarian dishes alike are spectacular. W |  | Fook Lam Moon The décor and the furnishings are chic and sophisticated. The place is luxuriant and quality food i |
 | Bao Luo This restaurant is very busy, the atmosphere noisy and boisterous. Originally opened to cater to the |  | Azul and Viva This restaurant is quiet and the ambiance very relaxed, almost peaceful. Traditional dishes with a m |
 | Fast Facts Location: Shanghai is located along the East Coast of China flanked by the Yangtze River. Area: 6340 sq km Dialing code: +86 Area Code: +86/021 Emergency Numbers: Fire: 119 Police: 110 Ambulance: 120 Telephone Directory Enquiry: 114(local numbers), 115 (international numbers) Airport Enquiry: 021-6268-8918 Railway Enquiry: 021-6317-9090 Population: 18 million approximately Languages: Shanghinese, English Time zone: UTC +8 (China Standard Time) Currency: China Renminbi Yuan Average January Temperatures: 4.5 °C Average July Temperatures: 27.5 °C Annual Rainfall: 1200 mm |
