Shanghai

Shanghai is one of China's most cosmopolitan cities. It is an ancient port city that beautifully mixes Chinese, and Western culture. The city of Shanghai has everything for a visitor to China. It has an ancient and fascinating history, amazing shopping, food, and fantastic business opportunities. The city is situated on the estuary of the Yangtze River. It covers an area of over 5,800 square kilometers. Shanghai has a population of over 17 million people and includes many different ethnic minorities. The Hui, Man, Zhuang, and Mongolian minority groups are all represented.

Any visitor to Shanghai will be rightfully impressed by its modernization, but there are few such modern cities with such an amazingly long history. In 1986 Shanghai was approved by the State Council as one of China's 38 famous historical and cultural cities. Archaeologists have discovered evidence that people have been living in Shanghai for more than 6,000 years. Those peoples survived by hunting, fishing, and later farming. During the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) Shanghai was not even a town. The majority of Shanghai's residents used boats to do business. In the Han Dynasty (206-221 AD) the metal smelting, and salt production industries grew and the area quickly prospered. During the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) Shanghai started to grow as a center of trade due to its excellent port. Shanghai was officially established as a town in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). By the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Shanghai had become a bustling city and had grown into China's largest cotton spinning base. Its textiles were popular both home and abroad. The Customs Office was established during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and the shipping industry progressed quickly as a result. Shanghai became an important economic power, and an international trading port. In the 1920's and 30's Shanghai really hit her stride. Modern industry was developing very quickly, and Shanghai's position as an important base for modern industry was ensured. After China's reform and opening up in 1978, Shanghai greatly benefited due to its port. Introduction of foreign capital, and advanced foreign management and technologies speeded up its development. Now Shanghai is an international metropolis and an influential economic power.

One of Shanghai's most well-known and popular aspects is its shopping.Shanghai is a shopper's paradise. It has often been called the Paris of the orient. Shopping in Shanghai is divided into"Four Streets and Four Cities". Nanjing Road is known as the No.1 Commercial Street in China.The shops along Nanjing road range from modern malls, to centuries old structures. Huaihai Road, no less famous, is well known for its fashion. On this street a visitor can find most of the major international designer brands. It is a haven for lovers of high fashion. North Sichuan road is always the first choice for locals. It hosts a large variety of inexpensive merchandise. Middle Tibet Road is where food and tourist items can be found. The "Four Cities" are Yuyan Shopping City, Xujiahui Shopping City, New Shanghai Shopping City, and Jiali sleepless City. Yuyuan Shopping city is where shoppers go to find Chinese goods. These specialty shops sell items ranging from small items and local craft, to antiques, jade, and jewelry. Xujiahui is a newly established shopping and entertainment plaza. It contains large shops which specialize in middle to high range products. New Shanghai Shopping City offers the finest facilities and amenities. Located in the middle of the Pudong Lujiazui finance and Trade Zone, it is surrounded by a large variety of retail outlets. Jiali Sleepless City faces Shanghai's railway station and is a bustling commercial area. For lovers of antiques Dongtai Road Antique Market is the place to go. This market deals in porcelain, jade, bronze wares, furniture, painting, and embroidery. Of course with any antique shopping, comes the risk of forgeries and fakes.
The local foods of Shanghai should not be missed. The most popular is the delicious Houyin Fish (Noodle Fish). Some other local specialties include Pudong Chicken, shanghai Juicy Peach, and Juicy Pear.

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