About the City of Shanghai, China
Shanghai is the largest city in China and is the 8th largest in the world. Geographically, Shanghai is situated along the banks of the Yangtze River and is estimated at 5,798 square km. The weather is sub-tropical with monsoons with a climate that is typically humid. It also has a population of around 20 million people and is considered as the most industrialized city in China.
Shanghai was essentially a fishing village back in the 11th century that slowly developed into a small market village with an estimated 12,000 families. But in the year 1127, their leader Kaifeng was captured resulting in the arrival of migrants into the city causing the population to tremendously increase to 25,000 families.
In the 13th century, Shanghai became the leading cotton producer in China and the city became the wealthiest in the entire region. It became the largest city around the early years of the 18th century while the city's economy was at its peak during the early 1900's.
With the city's soaring economy, Shanghai engaged in trade relations with countries like France, Great Britain and the United States. However, everything changed when the Communists took over.
The Sino-Japanese War allowed the Japanese leaders to take control of Shanghai. After Shanghai was relieved of Japanese control, the Nationalist Chinese Government took over completely.
Information for Shanghai Tourists
Shanghai is also called "Paris of the East" and is extremely popular among tourists all over the world. Since it is the most industrialized city in China, it is also the center for trade and commerce. Foreign tourists are required to bring their visa and valid passport when entering Shanghai. The tourist visa is good for 30 days only but can be extended if there is a need to.
Shanghai has several tourist attractions and moving around the city is not troublesome at all because of an extensive, well-situated public transportation system. It is also recommended to bring a bottled water while touring but do not spoil your travel by contemplating too much on what type of water is used for foods and washing.
Shopping is also a popular thing to do in Shanghai. In the city you will find lots of shopping malls, boutiques and souvenir shops. Shanghai is very lively at night. There you will find numerous bars to hang out and restaurants that serve different Chinese delicacies.
You will never run out of things to do in Shanghai so if you are planning on taking a tour of the city, talk to your travel agency immediately for arrangements.
