Shanghai Facts

Shanghai is certainly not the largest city in China for its geographical area, but ranks China’s largest city in terms of the population. Although its total area is 7,037 square kilometers, ranking the 31st in China, there are over 2,300 thousand people living there, leading to the population density of 3,810 per square kilometer. And the population size in this metropolis is continuously rising. 

With the implementation of the reform and open-up policy, Shanghai firstly became a core port for domestic and international export and import, which contributes to the fast develop of local economy, and attracts foreign companies to establish commercial cooperation with Shanghai. The city has seen a group of companies, banks, and securities institutions growing and thriving, which makes it a world financial center.

In terms of cultural and historical facts about Shanghai, the colonial past makes it unique from other cities in China. 
 

 a. Originally, it was a small fishing and textiles town who did not gain its identity until it was opened to foreign powers in the 1842 Treaty of Nanking. The British, French, Americans, Germans, and Russians started to move in. 

 b. The city flourished as a cosmopolitan and thriving commercial and financial center, dubbed the Paris of the East in 1920s and 1930s. Many westerners set distinct western-style banks, trading houses, and mansions, leaving a totally different architecture legacy. Although erected during different periods in varying styles such as Gothic, Romanesque or Baroque, those buildings exist harmoniously. Many of the buildings we see on the Bund and in the Former French Concession were built during this period.

 c. In 1990, it was chosen to spearhead modern China’s reform and opening up, which resulted in intense development. 

 d. At present, it is probably the most evocative city for an outsider to visit all of the country. Its modern and ever-expanding skylines include the emblematic Oriental Pearl Tower, the soaring modern art-deco Jin Mao Tower and the 101-floor World Financial Centre featuring the Park Hyatt hotel, the tallest hotel in the world.

 

144-hour Visa-free transit is implemented in Shanghai for foreign citizens from 53 countries, including Canada, Brazil, Denmark, France, UK, USA, Italy, Japan, Poland, etc. Moreover, the online application system was put into use since Nov, 1st, 2018, shortening the application time to 20 minutes. Apart from the 53 countries, citizens from other foreign countries are expected to obtain a valid visa before visit. 

See more about 144-hour Visa-free Transit in Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu 

As one of the transportation hub in China, visitors can directly reach Shanghai from numerous important cities from abroad by air. The city has two international airports, respectively Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport for international departure and arrival. Its four railway stations take visitors easily to their destinations in China through trains, including the famous high speed trains. Moreover, the top priority to travel around in downtown is metro for its high speed, safety, and convenience. There are 16 subway lines operated, passing by a vast majority of famous scenic spots, like People’s Park, The Bund, Xintiandi, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yu Garden, Confucius Temple…  

 

The best time to visit Shanghai is in its spring and autumn, when the climate is neither too hot nor too cold. Belong to subtropical maritime monsoon, spring here usually from March to May and autumn from October to middle November, are always warm and pleasant, making it comfortable to go outside. 

 

The colorful nightlife makes it a sleepless city, which is one of Shanghai interesting facts that you should know. When night comes, all lights shine brightly from every direction. At this time, a Huangpu River Cruise will take visitors to appreciate the charm of night scenes on both sides. In addition, most people prefer to spend a free time after dark along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, where they may have a big bargain for small products, or enjoy some snacks and street food. Despite these, Xintiandi is a favorable place for its distinctive building, most of which are used as themed restaurants, art galleries, fashion shops, café shops or bars. Moreover, Hengshan Road cultivating bars in great number can be one of the most bustling places there at night.   

Outside the bustling downtown area, there are many famous water towns lying around the city, including Zhujiajiao, Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Wuzhen, Xitang, Nanxun and Luzhi. They are characterized by burbling brooks, arched bridges, slab-stone paved alleys, waterside teahouses and white-washed traditional style dwellings. Wandering through these waterside ancient towns to experience the locals’ leisure life style as well as appreciating the living cultural heritage will be one of the highlights for your trip. 

 

Shanghai cuisine is characterized by rich red sauce, moderate saltiness, original flavor, mellow and delicious taste. The cooking methods commonly used are braising, and simmering. In addition, a fun fact of Shanghai food is using sugar as a core ingredient to cater to local tastes. Top 5 Dishes includes Braised Jumbo Sea Cucumber with Shrimp Roe (Xia Zi Da Wu Shen), Eight Treasures Chilli Sauce (Ba Bao La Jiang), Flash Fried River Shrimp (You Bao He Xia), Bamboo Shoot Soup with Fresh and Pickled Streaky Pork (Yan Du Xi'an), and Sautéed Mashed Eel (Qing Chao Shan Hu).

See more about Shanghai Dining

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