Overlooking the Huangpu River, Shanghai is home to 14 million people and is one of China's largest, most cosmopolitan cities. It is a beautiful city mixing traditional Chinese and 21st century architecture. And at night, the city comes alive with lights which line highways, buildings and the Huangpu River.

Shanghai began as a tiny fishing village during the Warring States period (475-221 BC). It has risen to become China's centre for business and finance, and is one of its most active ports.

Shanghai, in the rising Pudong, east of the Huangpu River, has fast become home to multinational companies with operations in China and Asia. After successfully hosting 99' Fortune Global Forum - where world business leaders gathered the city was then well-poised to welcome political and business leaders from the region and around the globe to the APEC 2001 meeting.

Shanghai boasts a rich nightlife. To see Shanghai's spectacular skyline by night, take an evening cruise around the harbour. Or, head out to the theatre, opera, discos, acrobat shows, karaoke clubs and upscale lounges, or bargain in the designer boutiques that are open day and night along Nanjing Road.

Shanghai enjoys an international reputation for excellent cuisine, with more than 10,000 specialty dishes found here. You have a wide range of dining choices in some of the finest restaurants in China, or you can opt to eat on the streets from one of the many vendors that instantly appear at meal times.

What to do:
The Bund
Stretching about a 1.6 km along the Huangpu River, once known as the Wall Street of Asia, China's most famous waterfront is lined with 1930's-era buildings. One of the most elegant and famous of these is the Peace Hotel, recently remodeled; it towers over the harbour and offers wonderful views. The water front park along the Bund is a popular meeting place for Chinese and foreign visitors, as well as occasional performers. Early morning visitors will see young and old practicing Tai Ji, martial arts, and ballroom dancing. Side streets in the area have charming 20's and 30's style shops and restaurants.

Nanjing Road
The ultimate shoppers' Mecca and Shanghai's "Fifth Avenue" offers China's greatest variety of retail stores, restaurants, sweets shops, gift boutiques, and cozy night clubs.

Temple of the Jade Buddha
Two of China's most famous jade Buddhas are housed within these temple walls. Each figure is carved from a single piece of white jade, with one carved in a rarely found reclining position.

The Old Town
It is easy to lose yourself in the narrow, winding alleys of Shanghai's Old Town. Stroll through the local bazaar and shop for traditional handicrafts, crossover the pond for lunch and tea in Huxinting Teahouse and then rest in the Garden of the Purple Clouds of Autumn and enjoy its classical Chinese landscaping.

Yuyuan Garden
This 16th century garden is a maze of colourful pavilions, ponds, stone dragons, arching trees and flowers, surrounding the instantly recognizable zigzag bridge. It is one of China's finest examples of Ming Dynasty gardens and architecture.

The Children's Palace
Once the palatial home of a Shanghai millionaire; children now come here to study performing arts, calligraphy, and ancient handicrafts, as well as science and modern technologies. It is very enjoyable and a true photographer's paradise.

Other places of interest include Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Stadium, Jade Buddha Temple, Grand View Garden, Shanghai Wildlife Zoo, etc.