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Introduction to Shanghai, China

Shanghai, situated in eastern China, is an international metropolis. Here is an introduction to the city from seven aspects: Geographical Location, History and Culture, Must-See Attractions, Gastronomic Delights, Urban Transportation, Economic Development, and Key Industries. If you want to know some interesting facts about Shanghai, please click here to view.

1. Geographical Location: The Gateway Where Rivers Meet the Sea

Situated between 30°40′ - 31°53′N and 120°52′ - 122°12′E, Shanghai lies at the mouth of the Yangtze River, bordered by the East China Sea to the east, the Yangtze River to the north, Hangzhou Bay to the south, and the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang to the west. As the core of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, it capitalizes on the Yangtze River's golden waterway and maritime shipping advantages. Characterized by flat terrain with an average elevation of just 4 meters, Shanghai features a dense network of rivers. The Huangpu and Suzhou Rivers converge here, creating iconic waterfront views. Shanghai Port, the world's largest container port, handled 47.3 million TEUs in 2023, ranking first globally for 13 consecutive years.

The Huangpu River
The Huangpu River,Shanghai

2. History and Culture: From Fishing Village to Global Metropolis

‌Ancient Civilization‌: Land formation began in western Shanghai around 6,000 years ago, evidenced by jade and pottery artifacts from the Neolithic Songze culture. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it belonged to the State of Wu and later became the fief of Lord Chunshen of Chu, giving rise to the nickname "Shen".

‌Modern Opening-up: After the Treaty of Nanking in 1843, Shanghai became a treaty port. Foreign concessions established by Britain, France, and the US created a unique "extraterritorial" landscape. The Bund's colonial-era buildings and the French-style mansions on Wukang Road preserve this history.

Cradle of the Communist Party: In 1921, the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China was held here, marking the Party's birth. Sites like the 1st National Congress Memorial Hall and Zhou Enlai's Former Residence commemorate this legacy.

Cultural Melting Pot: As a city of immigrants, Shanghai blends Jiangsu-Zhejiang traditions, Western influences, and diverse folk cultures. Shanghai Opera, comedy shows, and Shikumen architecture embody its inclusive spirit.

‌3. Must-See Attractions: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity‌

Discover incredible places to visit in Shanghai, from the historic allure of The Bund to the dynamic art precincts of Tianzifang. Below are our recommended must-visit attractions for an unforgettable experience.

A). Historical Landmarks

Yu Garden & Chenghuang Temple: The Ming-dynasty Yu Garden's rockeries and ponds, paired with the bustling Chenghuang Temple bazaar, offer a taste of Jiangnan charm. Try Nanxiang Steamed Buns and pear syrup candy at local time-honored stores.

Tianzifang: Transformed from Shikumen alleys, it hosts art studios, cafes, and boutiques, capturing "urban chic in the alleyways".

B). Modern Wonders

The Bund & Lujiazui: The Bund's century-old buildings contrast with Lujiazui's skyscrapers (like the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower), creating a dazzling skyline, especially at night.

Wukang Road: Nicknamed "Shanghai's living history book," it showcases Renaissance and Art Deco gems, including the Wukang Mansion and Ba Jin's former residence.

C). Cultural Venues

Shanghai Museum: Home to 1.02 million artifacts, renowned for its bronze, ceramic, and calligraphy collections.

Shanghai Natural History Museum: Its "Evolutionary Symphony" exhibition features dinosaur fossils and immersive ecological displays.

  • Discover Shanghai: The video was filmed by Maui&Trizzy.

  • This video was filmed by Adventures of Lauren and Jason.

4. Gastronomic Delights: Rich Flavors and Street Food Charms

Shanghai food is a delightful blend of rich, savory flavors with a subtle sweetness, featuring iconic dishes like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and shengjian (pan-fried buns), alongside unique fusion creations influenced by its historic foreign concessions.

A). Shanghai Cuisine

Known for "thick sauces and rich flavors," signature dishes include Red-Braised Pork (tender and savory), Stir-Fried Shrimp (sweet and salty), and Eel in Hot Oil (fragrant and tender). Time-honored eateries like Laozhengxing and Lvbolang uphold these traditions.

B). Street Food Staples

Shengjianbao: Pan-fried buns with crispy bottoms and juicy fillings. Dàhúchūn's "clear-soup" style and Xiǎoyáng's "mixed-soup" version are local favorites, named "Most Representative Shanghai Snack" in 2009.

Xiaolongbao: Nanxiang Steamed Buns shine with thin skins and flavorful broth, especially the crab roe variety.

Scallion Oil Noodles: A simple yet iconic breakfast, blending scallion aroma with soy sauce.

  • ShengjianbaoShengjianbao
  • Nanxiang XiaolongbaoNanxiang Xiaolongbao

C). Global Gastronomy

French restaurants in the former French Concession, Japanese eateries, and Michelin-starred dining in Lujiazui coexist with local coffee shops (e.g., Arabica, Manner), reflecting Shanghai's cosmopolitan palate.

5. Urban Transportation: A Seamless Global Connectivity Network

‌Metro System: By 2025, Shanghai's 21 subway lines span 896 km, covering all districts. With full 5G coverage and an average download speed exceeding 600Mbps, the "Metro 大都会" app enables seamless QR code ticketing.

Air Hubs: Pudong International Airport, one of the world's busiest cargo airports, served over 70 million passengers in 2023. Hongqiao International Airport, connected to Hongqiao High-Speed Railway Station, offers efficient air-rail integration.

Regional Railways: The Airport Link connects both airports, while lines like the Nanhui Branch and Jiamin Line boost Yangtze River Delta integration. The Maglev Train reaches speeds of 430 km/h, whisking passengers from Longyang Road to Pudong Airport in just 8 minutes.

Diverse Transport: Buses, taxis, and shared bikes (e.g., Meituan, Hello Bike) complement the network, ensuring convenient travel options.

6. Economic Development: China's Growth Engine

‌Economic Scale & Structure: In 2024, Shanghai's GDP reached 5.39 trillion yuan, growing 5.0% year-on-year. The tertiary sector accounts for 78.2%, with finance, information services, and R&D as key drivers.

‌Financial Hub: Lujiazui hosts over 1,600 financial institutions, including the Shanghai Stock Exchange and China Foreign Exchange Trade System. In 2024, financial market transactions totaled 365 trillion yuan.

Trade Powerhouse: Shanghai Port handles over 700 million tons of cargo annually. The Free Trade Zone hosts over 600 regional headquarters of multinational corporations, with 30 new additions in 2024.

Innovation Hub: Zhangjiang Science City focuses on integrated circuits, AI, and biopharmaceuticals. In 2024, the IC industry grew by 20.8%, and Shanghai hosted over 1,500 AI companies.

7. Key Industries: Driving Future Growth

‌FinTech: The "Shanghai Financial Technology Center Action Plan" promotes digital yuan cross-border payments and blockchain applications, with the Bund Financial Cluster fostering innovation.

‌Advanced Manufacturing: Projects like COMAC C919, Tesla Gigafactory, and SMIC's chip manufacturing drive growth. Aerospace manufacturing output increased by 13.1% in 2024.

Cultural & Creative: Areas like Tianzifang and M50 nurture art and design, while Shanghai leads China's online literature and esports industries.

Green Economy: Lingang New Area focuses on hydrogen energy and offshore wind power, while Yangshan Port achieves fully automated container operations, reducing carbon emissions.

Yangshan Deep-water port, Shanghai, ChinaYangshan Deep-water port, Shanghai, China

With its strategic location, profound history, vibrant culture, efficient transport, and robust economy, Shanghai stands as China's gateway to the world and a global city par excellence. Whether strolling through Shikumen alleys or gazing at Lujiazui's skyscrapers, Shanghai captivates with its timeless blend of heritage and innovation.