he most dynamic city in the world’s fastest-changing nation, Shanghai is an exhilarating, ever-morphing metropolis that isn’t just living China’s dream, but is setting the pace for the rest of the world. This vibrant city dazzles with its metamorphosing cityscape and inexhaustible verve, beckoning millions with promises of opportunity, glamour and reinvention.

Shanghai, “Hu” for short, literally means “Going to the Sea” and is the largest city of Mainland China. Located in East China and on the estuary of Yangtze River and the mouth of Huangpu River, Shanghai is also on the west shore of the Pacific Ocean and right in the middle of China’s east coastline. Its total area is 6,341 km², of which the Pudong New Area occupies 523 km².

Originally, Shanghai was but a seaside fishing village and it is now a multi-cultural metropolis with both modern and traditional Chinese features. Shanghai today is a municipality under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Government. It is divided into two areas by Huangpu River: Puxi (west of Huangpu River) and Pudong (east of Huangpu River). Puxi is the older part of the City and hosts the majority of shops, restaurants and museums. Pudong is the modern part and is recognized for its impressive high-rises.

It is a city of extreme contrasts reflecting not only in its architecture or landscape, but also in its social and cultural milieu. Shanghai is an ideal “shopping paradise”: Nanjing Road (known as “China’s First Street”) and Huaihai Road are packed with rows of shops arrayed with large collections of merchandise that are a feast to the eyes. It is also a paradise for gourmets. There are over thousand restaurants serving the famous sixteen styles of Chinese food with numerous kinds of foreign flavored cuisine.

Shanghai continues to grow and prosper meeting the aspirations of the 21st century while retaining its proud traditions of hospitality. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Global Financial Hub and Jinmao Mansion are the modern symbols of an international metropolis while the Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden and Jade Buddha Temple are evidence of the extensive and deep passion of a great city rooted in Chinese culture that extends a warm welcome to friends from all over the world.

Discover more about this dynamic metropolis at iDealShanghai.