Shanghai, called "Hu" for short, is a bustling metropolis located at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Connected with Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces in the west, the city is exposed to the East China Sea in the east. With a total area of 6,341 square kilometers and a population of more than 13 million, Shanghai takes its place among the world's biggest, most booming urban areas.

Shanghai also enjoys a delightful climate with four distinct seasons. Annual temperatures average 16C and annual rainfall averages 1200 millimeters. However, spring and autumn, with their moderate temperate, are the best times to visit Shanghai.

While the city epitomizes modern, urban China, its history is one of its most intriguing features. In particular, in the 1930s and 40s, Shanghai was a paradise for adventurers. Tycoons, millionaires, knights-errant and great beauties came to this attractive city to realize their dreams, and countless moving stories, both sad and joyful, were played out here.

Shanghai is also a great destination for shoppers, and the best-known shopping street in China - Nanjing Road - is located here. This exciting avenue is lined with well-known shops and department stores selling clothing, food and specialty goods. Shanghai is a paradise for gourmets, too. Here, visitors can enjoy a taste of all the different kinds of food in the world. Shanghainese cuisine, however, is a special hybrid. There are several famous old restaurants in Shanghai that are not to be missed.