Welcome to Shanghai China

Shanghai
For a sense of China’s recent transformation, Shanghai is without doubt the place to visit. Once known as the Paris of the East, it now styles itself the Pearl of the Orient, and since 1990 has been determined to recapture its former glory as Asia's economic center and one of the world's leading cities. Spectacular skyscrapers have been sprouting practically overnight and sparkling boulevards are lined with expensive designer stores. Farmland less than twenty years ago, the area now boasts a gleaming modern skyline. For a taste of the Western-influenced city of the '20s and '30s, investigate the old French Concession.Shanghai's rapidly expanding subway system is affordable and efficient but likely to be crowded at rush hour. Buses are easy to use and plentiful taxis offer good value. To avoid confusion, it helps to have your destination address written down in Chinese characters at your hotel.Shanghai has a sweltering summer and air conditioning is standard throughout the city. Spring and fall are the most pleasant times of year although temperatures in winter rarely fall below zero Celsius. There is a rainy season, but in practice it is useful to keep an umbrella handy any time of year.