Shanghai 上海

Located in East China in the Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai is China’s largest city in terms of population – around 21 million – and is its economic and commercial powerhouse. It boasts one of the world’s largest seaports and status as a leading global financial hub.

Much more than that, this renowned and international metropolis is also arguably the nation’s most alluring. Known as the ‘Paris of the East’ in the early 20th century when the city enjoyed a decadent heyday, Shanghai’s touch of glamour, excitement and vibrancy appears to live on in present-day China. A star stand-out from anywhere else, Shanghai also presents visitors with a front row seat to the nation’s frenetic modern development.

This multi-cultural megacity shines brightest however as it effortlessly blends modernity with tradition and Western with the Orient – nowhere more apparent than Huangpu River, which dissects the city in two. Huangpu’s riverside cityscape of diverse yet harmonious architectural heritage is Shanghai’s biggest drawcard. Along the western banks is the Pu Xi section and colonial-era waterfront, The Bund, a rare living remnant of late 19th century European imperialism in mainland China. In contrast, on the eastern banks, lies Pu Dong, dazzling with its modern CBD and ever-expanding skyline that is home to the world’s second-tallest building, the Shanghai Tower, the Jin Mao Tower and World Financial Centre.