Originally, Shanghai was a seaside fishing village and in time its gradual development led to it being granted County status in 1291. Today's Shanghai is a multi cultural metropolis with both modern and traditional Chinese features. Bubbling Shanghai shows off every aspect of her unique glamour.
Widely regarded as the citadel of Chinas modern economy, the city also serves as one of the nation's most important cultural, commercial, financial, industrial and communications centre.
A city government that has not been too narrowly focused on commerce to neglect wider urban planning issues and the result is one of Chinas most elegant cities and certainly its most sophisticated and cosmopolitan.
The annual Shanghai Tourist Festival offers a huge amount of traditional and not so traditional entertainment at venues across the city, and also incorporates the Shanghai shopping festival. There's much hype around town at the time and plenty of opportunity to pick up details of all the events.
Shanghai is a large and rapidly developing city, but also has a long and majestic history. You shouldn't miss visiting the exhilarating skyscrapers and modern parks of Pudong, taking a walk along the historical Bund or shopping for bargains on Nanjing road or in the many markets such as Huaihai road market. Yuyuan gardens are also considered as a cultural heart of Shanghai, with wonderful architecture and the entire snack food and bar atmosphere you could want.
Shanghai has an extremely wide range of accommodation available to visitors.
Shanghais people have a sweet tooth and more sugar is used than in any other part of China.
The winters can be very cold and temperatures often drop well below zero. In contrast, the summers tend to be hot and humid. The best time to visit is autumn or spring.
Whether you're in Shanghai for business or pleasure, make sure you visit a few of the charming places the Pearl of the East has to offer.
* Douglas Scott works for The Rental Car Hire Specialist. And is a free lance writer for The Shanghai Rental Site
