上海

Shanghai is the largest city in China, and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, with over 20 million people. Shanghai is a modern city with a past linked to foreign occupation through World War II. The row of historic bank buildings on the Bund shows the architecture brought by foreigners when Shanghai was the banking capital of Asia. Now modern development in Pudong has changed the face of the city into a modern metropolis. Shanghai maintains some of its 1930's feel to it. Chinese people in Shanghai are more liberal and modern, being farther from Beijing. Foreigners living in Shanghai are there for business reasons, and thus Shanghai has more of a "New York" feel to it.

When to visit

Shanghai experiences four distinct seasons, but temperature differences between the hottest part of summer and the depths of winter are extreme. In summer, temperatures can reach in the 90°F (mid-30°C) and the hottest months are July and August, with about 80% humidity. Most of Shanghai's rainfall occurs during this period. In winter, temperatures can drop below zero and conditions tend to be grey and dull, though no snowfall occurs. Springtime (March to June) is perhaps the best time to travel to Shanghai, with more moderate conditions than summer, although weather can be variable at this time of year. Autumn (September to November) also tends to be moderate, with sunny, dry weather, though the odd typhoon can occur between September and October.

Nightlife

• The Shanghai Acrobat Show (there are several)
• Walking on Nanjing Road pedestrian district
• Huangpu River cruise

Near Shanghai

• Water towns - Tongli (with the sex museum) and Zhujiazhao are most famous
• Suzhou one hour from Shanghai is known for its canals and gardens
• Hangzhou - two hours from Shanghai is set on West Lake
• Further afield, Yellow Mountain is one of China's sacred peaks