Lying on the Yangtze River delta, Shanghai marks the point where Asia's longest and most important river completes its 5,500km journey to the Pacific. Until 1842, Shanghai was merely a small fishing village. After the first Opium War, the British named Shanghai a trading port, forcing the city's opening to foreign involvement. The village was soon turned into a city carved up into autonomous concessions administered by the British, French and American, independent of Chinese law. Each colonial presence brought its own culture, architecture and society. Thus began a mixing of cultures that shaped Shanghai's openness to Western influence.

Rising from a fishing village, Shanghai is China's biggest city, largest port and one of the world's vital financial centers. Nowhere else in the country can you feel the same pulse, dynamism and fervor. The Pudong Development Area in Shanghai is an important special economic zone in China. The level of the new area's industry, commerce, finance, trade, post and telecommunications stands at the forefront in China. Shanghai's open policy has also made the city the new hottest attraction for foreign investors. As millions of dollars pour in, especially to Pudong, Shanghai has again become home to tens of thousands of expatriates.

Shanghai is one of the four municipalities directly under the central government. The city covers an area of 145 square miles and houses more than 20 million inhabitants. Shanghai residents do enjoy a high living standard, pulsating nightlife, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Customs
Travelers are allowed to bring into China one bottle of alcoholic beverages and two cartons of cigarettes. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency (although amounts above US$10,000 must be declared on a customs form).

Climate

Average Temperature