As a Chinese saying goes, 'Xian witnessed the 2,000 years' history of China; Beijing, 1,000 years' history of China; while Shanghai, the latest 100 year's China.' If you are interested in the modern history of China, Shanghai serves as an ideal miniature. Being regarded as the 'Oriental Pearl', Shanghai is unique and important in China and has much for you to explore.
Yesterday's Shanghai
Shanghai, Hu for short, is situated on the estuary of Yangtze River. In the 1920s and the 1930s, Shanghai was recognized as a famous city in the Far East or even the world. With its advantaged natural conditions, fast development, and splendid oriental culture, Shanghai was famed as the 'Oriental Paris' and attracted many business explorers. Also, many foreign scientists, literators and artists chose to live, give lectures, or just experience Chinese charm in Shanghai. They included Einstein, Russell, Bernard Shaw, and Tagore. However, in the middle of the 20th century, the glory of the city had faded out as time went by.
Today's Shanghai
Having tided over the block of war, turmoil and economic crisis, Shanghai has revived thanks to the great Reform and Opening up since 1978. The favorable national policy, the efficient administration, the regular market mechanism, and a large number of talents all together guarantee Shanghai's economic development by leaps and bounds in recent years.
Now over 300 of the world top 500 enterprises have set up their branches in Shanghai, including many having their research and development centers or headquarters there. Pudong New District has been build up in just five years. Lujiazui in Pudong has promptly become one of the top financial and trade zones in Asia even the world. Additionally, landmark constructions and skyscrapers emerge one after another, such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Tower, Pudong International Airport, and Shanghai International Convention Center.
Other than its economic achievements, Shanghai progresses a lot in many other fields like politics, finance, trade, culture, science and technology. Various international activities have been held in Shanghai, including political conventions, commercial conferences, academic forums, sports events, cultural exhibitions, film festivals, and fashion shows.
Shanghai's fast development greatly surprises China and the whole world. People say that Shanghai develops from a common city into an international metropolis like New York and Paris in just ten years! No other city in the world can be like this. It is unique.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world throng into Shanghai to see its great economic impulse, distinctive attractions as well as its blended culture of the West and the East. In the eyes of the westerners, Shanghai has special oriental charm; while in the eyes of Chinese, Shanghai has fresh western style. The old say that Shanghai is modern and fashionable; while the young say that Shanghai is old and reminiscent. Wherever you come from and whoever you are, you will find Shanghai an ideal tour destination.
Shanghai has many attractions in the downtown, including Huangpu River, the Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Tower, Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden, Xin Tian Di, and the special old streets and lanes. Besides, there are worth-visiting places in the suburbs such as Qibao Ancient Town, Zhujajiao Water Town, and Chongming Island.
Dining is one of the most enjoyable things in your Shanghai trip. In addition to Shanghai Cuisine, restaurants in the city offer a wide variety of cuisines from other parts of China and a number of foreign countries.
Shanghai is a shopper's paradise. There are various bustling commercial streets and shopping centers waiting for you. These include Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, North Sichuan Road, Xujiahui Shopping Center, Yuyuan Shopping City, and Jiali Sleepless City.
The convenient transportation, comfortable accommodation, and colorful entertainment places will facilitate and brighten your stay in Shanghai.
Tomorrow's Shanghai
Shanghai still keeps developing at an amazing speed. It will host the football preliminary of the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and the World Expo in 2010, which offer good chances to introduce Shanghai to more people worldwide. You can expect Shanghai to continue surprising the world.