Shanghai is an evocative city of contrasts, a place that embraces tradition and modernity in the most avant-garde way possible. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” Shanghai is China’s largest city and a global financial center and cultural mecca. It has one dynamic story, a diverse population and an unambiguously electric spirit.
A STORIED PAST: THE HISTORY OF SHANGHAI
The history of Shanghai is an interesting one — this tiny fishing village has since become a key international metropolis. There are records that indicate people lived here for hundreds of years, but the existence of Shanghai didn’t begin in earnest until the 13th century, during the Yuan Dynasty, when it began to coalesce as a small market town.
The true transformation, however, took place in the 19th century. After the First Opium War (1839-1842), China opened several treaty ports to foreign trade, and Shanghai was one of the key negotiating ports. This led to a period of rapid development, where Western powers constructed concessions—self-governing enclaves—creating a peculiar mix of native Chinese and foreign architecture and culture.
Shanghai grew into a global trade hub, with a thriving port and bustling markets. The city was known as a “Paris of the East,” with jazz clubs, luxury hotels and a cosmopolitan way of life.
The twentieth century was a time of troubles — war, occupation and revolution molded the city’s image. Beneath Communist rule after 1949, the city’s economy took a different turn away from its international past. However, after the economic reforms of 1978, and the completion of an airport in 1999, Shanghai quickly re-emerged as the same financial powerhouse it once was becoming again one of largest metropolises on Earth.
POPULATION AND LANGUAGE
Today, Shanghai has a population of more than 24 million and is one of the most populous cities in the world. It is a melting pot of hundreds of thousands of people from across China and beyond, who came to the city lured by job prospects or its lively culture.
Most Singaporeans speak English; it is the common language for most of its population. The local language is Shanghainese, a dialect of the Taihu Wu subgroup of the Wu Chinese family. English is taught in schools throughout the country and is spoken in business, tourism and international trade markets, yet local language can be an obstacle for those who are not fluent.
CURRENCY AND ELECTRICITY
Cureency: The currency in Shanghai, as is the case for the rest of China, is the Chinese Yuan (CNY) or Renminbi (RMB). Cash remains common, but digital payments made through apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay have long been dominant for such purchases as a cup of coffee or a subway ride. There are ATMs and Money exchange offices mostly in commercial & tourist areas.
The electrical system is 220 volts at 50 Hz and plugs are typically Type A, Type I or Type C.Most travelers from countries with 110 -120 v use a plug adapter and voltage converter.
CLIMATE: A MIX OF FOUR SEASONS
Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate and experiences four distinct seasons of hot summers, cold winters, spring and autumn.
Summer (June–August) is hot and humid, with temperatures over 30 °C (85 °F), with intemperate rain as well from time to time Typhoons.
Although mild temperatures and clear skies are enjoyed all year round, autumn (September to November) is generally believed as the best time to travel.
Winter, December to February, can be cold and temperatures can sometimes fall below the freezing point although snow is infrequent.
Spring (March to May) is moderate but may be rainy and occasionally foggy.
The city is on the coast, which means the weather can change quickly, so it’s best to come prepared for any sudden showers regardless of season.
CULINARY DELIGHTS: FOOD IN SHANGHAI
The food scene in Shanghai is a microcosm of the city’s history — rich, varied and filled with strong flavors. It’s particularly famous for “Benbang cuisine,” the local style that leans toward fresh, sweet and lightly seasoned.
Some iconic dishes include:
Xiaolongbao: Q Broth-filled pork dumplings create beautiful layers that melt together in your mouth.
Shengjianbao: A pan-fried bun with a crispy bottom and juicy filling.
Hairy crab: Considered a seasonal treat in autumn.
Shanghai-style noodles: Soy-sauce cleaning of vegetables and meat with stir-fried noodles.
Braised pork belly (Hong Shao Rou): Sweet soy-glazed slow-cooked pork; soft and sweet.
Drunken chicken: Shaoxing-marinated and tender; full of flavor.
Though the international dining culture thrives in Shanghai, with a wide range of Michelin-starryuisine to hole-in-the-wall snacks, few can argue that the city also has its fair share of traditional fare.tarred restaurants to bustling street food stalls. Night markets are great spots to explore local snacks and casual eats.
GETTING AROUND: TRANSPORT IN SHANGHAI
Shanghai’s public transportation is second to none and continues to expand in line with its enormous population.
A clean, fast and extremely user-friendly kicker? The Shanghai Metro is one of the largest and busiest rapid-transit systems in the world. It links major neighborhoods, airports and visitor destinations.
Buses and taxis offer alternative means of getting to places the metro doesn’t serve.
Maglev train: If you want something that feels like coming straight out of the future, a maglev (magnetic levitation) train transports travelers from Pudong International Airport to the city at 430 km/h (267 mph)—the fastest commercial train on Earth.
Bicycle and electric scooter usage, particularly around parks and neighborhoods for shorter trips has returned, in part because of a network of bike lanes and rental services.
Traffic can be bad, particularly during the rush hours and often you will do best to get around by public transport.
SAFETY IN SHANGHAI
Though Shanghai is one of the world’s largest cities, it is also secure. Crime is uncommon, and violent crime is virtually unheard of; thus, both new visitors and residents may feel at ease during their stay. In big crowds or markets pickpocketing, for example, is more likely to occur, so tourists are advised to take the usual precautions.
Shanghai is also well-prepared for an emergency; the streets are spotlessly clean, well-lit, and the police are always visible. The quality of healthcare is excellent. Modern hospitals provide medical and clinical treatment, and plenty of international hospitals provided EASY in English.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS TO EXPLORE
Shanghai is teeming with sights that reflect its history and point to its future.
Tianzifang and Xintiandi
Both are among the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, in which old alleyways have been revitalized into centers of art, dining and nightlife that mix tradition with contemporary cool.
The Bund (Waitan)
This fabled waterfront boulevard offers views of the futuristic Pudong skyline on one side and grand old colonial buildings on the other. It’s a place to walk during the day or night and take in Shanghai’s particularly mixed old-and-new flavor.
Pudong Skyline
It is Pudong that houses titles such as the second tallest building in the world, Shanghai Tower; Oriental Peral TV Tower; Jin Mao Tower and speaks about the city’s fast-paced growth towards modernisation. The observation decks offers stunning, panoramic vistas.
Yu Garden
A fine example of Chinese garden design, Yu Garden is a tropical paradise in the heart of the hectic city. Including – Pagodas and classical koi ponds in lush gardens.
Nanjing Road
China’s number one shopping street, it is always a hive of activity with locals and tourists alike. You will find luxury brands, street vendor stands and a bunch of other things, it’s a perfect place to experience Shanghai urban life.
Shanghai Museum
Found in People’s Square, this museum provides a deep dive into China’s art and history, with enormous collections of calligraphy, ceramics, bronzes and historic artefacts.
French Concession
This delightful district is characterized by leafy streets, colonial buildings and is home to hipster cafés, boutiques and bars. It’s great for wandering and imagining the city’s multicultural roots.
Jing’an Temple
Not entirely resplendent or organising readings every night, the peaceful Buddhist Temple between skyscrapers is also offering the calm of culture and architecture.
OTHER IMPORTANT ASPECTS
Economic Powerhouse
Shallow is frequently described as the “financial capital of China,” and is home to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, one of the world’s largest by market capitalization. It is a city in which business and culture both flourish.
Cultural Scene
It has world-class theaters, galleries and music venues. Classical Chinese opera coexists with international art shows, modern dance and film festivals.
Education and Innovation
Shanghai is home to top-ranked universities and promotes innovation with technology parks, start-ups and research centers.
Green Spaces
Despite it’s size, Shanghai features an abundance of parkland and waterfront promenades where you can relax and unwind. Escape Although Century Park, Fuxing Park and the riverside promenades are still busy with residents too shaken to return indoors.
Shanghai is a mesmerizing and provocative city, mixing an intriguing history with an unsuppressed drive into the future. Whether you’re strolling around its historical gardens, gawping at its futuristic skyscrapers, tucking into a basket of steaming soup dumplings or hurtling along on the world’s fastest train, Shanghai serves up an eclectic array of experiences.
A city of energy and elegance, it feels like every street corner has a story to tell and every moment brings on the opportunity to discover something new. For travelers looking for a destination that resonates with an ancient culture and modern panache, Shanghai is the epitome of unforgettable.
