Shanghai, Hu for short, is situated on the estuary of Yangtze River of China, covering an area of 5,800 square kilometers (2,239 square miles). It has a population of 18.7 million, including 2 million floating population.

Shanghai is known for the "Oriental Paris" and "Pearl of China". It is the economic, financial and cultural center in the nation. It serves as the largest base of Chinese industrial technology, the important seaport and China's largest commercial and financial center.

What makes Shanghai attractive are the many different styles of architecture and design throughout the city. The Sightseeing, Business and Shopping centered upon People's Square and along the Huangpu River; the city's Cultural Center with its public activities and community facilities; and the main Entertainment and Holiday Tourism area located at Mt. Sheshan, Chongming Island, Dingshan Lake and Shenshuigang Area are a proof of Modern Shanghai.

Shanghai is a spectacularly modern city. The pace of development here is unbelievable. At present, 17% of the world's cranes are in the city and developers boast that the city is changing at a rate incomparable to anywhere else in the world ever.

In addition, Shanghai is a shopper's paradise. Nanjing Road is a must for tourists. Huaihai Road caters for those with modern and fashionable tastes, while Sichuan North Road meets the demands of ordinary folk. Besides, Xujiahui Shopping Center, Yuyuan Shopping City, Jiali Sleepless City are popular destinations for those who are seeking to buy something special as a souvenir.

Like other cities throughout the country, Shanghai celebrates all Chinese public holidays, such as Spring Festival, International Labor Day, Children's Day National Day and etc. In addition to National Vocation, Shanghai's regional folk festivals add their own touch of traditional jubilation to city life. On every Spring Festival Eve, local people swarm to Longhua Temple to toll the bell to celebrate the coming New Year. The Shanghai International Tea Culture Festival is held during April. In May there is the International Dragon Boat Race in the Qingpu District. Established in 1993, there is the Shanghai International Film Festival. This is the only international film festival to be held in mainland. The Shanghai Tourism Festival is held during September and October; this brings a wide variety of celebrations and activities.

Every year, the Shanghai Formula One World Championship will be held in Shanghai in Oct. In September, 2004, the Shanghai Formula One World Championship was held for the first time in China. This prestigious event which is the world's fastest, most expensive motoring competition with the highest of technical standards helps to promote the image of Shanghai's economic development and tourism industry and brings commercial opportunity to the city. Shanghai also hosts many other international competitions and conventions, such as the APEC Convention, International Ballet Competitions, etc.

Museums, galleries, restaurants and bars have emerged in the past few years, which has been another main point appealing to tourists. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Mansion and Pudong International Airport are the modern symbols of an international metropolis.The heydays of the 1920s and 30s and the newfound wealth in the city are making Shanghai a place with a fabulous and optimistic style and attitude.