Chinese Mitten Crab

The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), also known as big binding crab and Shanghai hairy crab, is a famous delicacy in Shanghai cuisine and is prized for the female crab's ovaries. Late autumn is the best time for eating crabs in Shanghai when the best quality Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs with green shells and white bottoms, rich in fat and ovary, are shipped to restaurants. The crab meat is believed by the Chinese to have a "cooling" (yin) effect on the body. When the crabs are properly cooked, the fragrance appeals to diners' palate. The most popular way of cooking crabs is to steam them to maintain the original flavor of the crabs, thus the meat is tender, juicy and delicious.

Beggar's Chicken

Beggar's Chicken is a legendary dish wrapped in lotus leaves, covered in clay and oven baked to steamy, tasty perfection (the hardened clay can be chipped away from the tender chicken), in olden times, it was baked in the ground.

Lion's Head

Lion's Head is a casserole dish of huge steamed pork balls stewed with vegetables. The dish is named after the shape of the cabbage, which together with the meatball resembles a lion's head. There are two kinds of Lion's Head: the white (or plain), and the red (cooked with soy sauce). The plain one is usually stewed or steamed with napa cabbage, while the red one can be stewed with cabbage or cooked with bamboo shoots and certain kind of tofu. The dish originated from the region of Yangzhou and Zhenjiang in Jiangsu province. The dish became a part of Shanghai cuisine with the influx of migrants in the 19th and early 20th Century

Xiao Long Bao (Small Steamed Bun)

The Xiaolongbao, also known as soup dumpling, is a steamed, meat-filled bun with unleavened skin from Eastern China. These buns are traditionally steamed in bamboo baskets, hence the name.

Yangzhou Fried Rice

Yangzhou Fried Rice is rice stir-fried with a rich mixture of ingredients. In Yangzhou Fried Rice, Chinese barbecued pork is an essential ingredient that gives it its special sweetish flavour.

This dish does not originate from Yangzhou; instead, the recipe was invented by the Qing dynasty's Yi Bingshou (1754-1815) who was once the regional magistrate of Yangzhou, and the dish was named Yeung Chow fried rice by then.

Chinese Arobatics

Acrobatics is one of the oldest performing arts in China. Over the past 2,000-some years, Chinese acrobats have created many classic items, such as "wire-walking", "head feats", "ancient magic", "conjuring", etc.

Most well-known venues for you to enjoy the acrobatic shows during the night are: Shanghai Center where the Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe has performances most nights at 7:30pm; Shanghai Circus World: Shanghai Circus World boasts of being “the best circus world in China”. With unique architectural image of a golden domelike roof, it has become a landmark of this international metropolis.

There are totally 1,638 seats in the circus world equipped with advanced surround sound systems and lighting effect as well as the revolving stage, make it a an ideal location to hold music and dance performances as well. The famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe stages its 20-act performances here every once in a while. During other times, Shanghai Circus World plays host to a variety of large-scale magic and acrobatic shows, as well as the annual Shanghai International Magic Festival and Competition, held in early November.

If you’d like to enjoy an amazing performance, Shanghai Circle World would be your best choice during your Shanghai travel.

Nigh Cruise along Huangpu River

Huangpu River, a symbol of Shanghai, originates in Dianshan Lake and empties into the Yangtze River at Wusongkou (mouth of Wusong River). It is 114 kilometers (71miles) long and 400 meters (0.25 miles) wide. Huangpu River is ice-free year round. The river divides Shanghai into east and west. It is a silent eyewitness to Shanghai's history and its development.

A spectacular sight is that the two suspension bridges, Nanpu Bridge and Yangpu Bridge, appear to arch over the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, resembling 'Two dragons playing with a ball'.

The west bank (Puxi) of the Huangpu River is the cultural, residential and entertainment center of Shanghai. The Bund, Monument to the People's Heroes, Waibaidu Bridge and the oldest park in Shanghai - Huangpu Park, are located on the west bank. In addition, many historical buildings left over from Shanghai's colonial days have been preserved. The east bank of the river (Pudong) is the newer district of Shanghai and its financial and commercial hub. Steel and glass structures are abundant here. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jin Mao Tower, skyscraper hotels, offices and malls of the Lujiazui Financial Zone are located on this side of the river.

Ships from all over the world dot the river. The busy wharfs and the 'three-layer waters' (or three-color waters) at Wusongkou are also within sight. The 'three-layer waters' is formed by the convergence of Huangpu River (gray white), Yangtze River (yellow) and the East Sea (green) during high tide.

When the sun sets, Huangpu River is veiled in the glittery neon lights on its banks. Cruising on Huangpu River in the evening, visitors can experience its silence and beauty under the moonlight.

Cruise Information

Cruising on the Huangpu River has become a must for most visitors to Shanghai. Cruise ships vary in size, decoration and amenities, with the most luxurious offering air conditioning, conference room, banquet hall, bar and television. Get information of the Cruise Ships.

Ships depart from the Bund (Zhongshan Road), sail to Huangpu Bridge in the south, turn and head north towards Wusongkou, and return to the Bund.

Shanghai is a provincial level municipality of China and also the largest city in China.

Abbreviation: Hu (沪 in Chinese)
Coordinates: 31°11′N 121°29′E
Country: China
Mayor: Han Zheng
Population: 18,15 million people with 4.68 million non-permanent residents at the end of 2006.
Currency: Yuan (Renminbi)
Language: Shanghai Dialect, Mandarin Chinese
Time Zone: China Standard Time (UTC+8)
Area: 6360.5 square kilometers
Administrative Divisions: 18 districts and 1 counties with 211 towns and villages.
Altitude: About 4m
City Flower: White Yulan
City Tree: Cinnamomum hupehanum
Main Rivers: angtze River, Huangpu River, Yunyan River, Zhangjing River

Sister Cities：

Asia: Yokohama, East Java Province, Colombo, Jeollabuk-do, Dubai, Chiang Mai, Perfectural de Nagasaki, Windhoek, Pusan, Manila, OSAKA
Europe: Marseille, Liverpool, Cork, Salzburg, Aarhus, Bratislava, Gothenburg, Lombardia, Constantsa, Oslo, Barcelona, Liverpool, London, St. Petersburg, Marseilles, Hamburger, Piraeus, Antwerp, Rotterdam
America: San Francisco, Valparaiso, Maputo, Rosaria, San Diego, St. Paul, Casablanca, Chicago, Montreal, Zagreb
Oceania: Queensland,
Africa: Guayaquil, KewZulu

Shanghai Location

Shanghai is located at the west bank of the Pacific Ocean and east side of Asian Continent, next to East Sea on the east and facing Hangzhou Bay on the south and bordering Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces on the west. The coordinates of Shanghai is 31°14′N 121°29′E. With a conveniently situation, Shanghai is a good natural port which is situated at central section of south and north coastline in China.

Shanghai Districts

Shanghai has totally 18 districts and 1 county under its administration.

9 Urban Districts: Huangpu District, Luwan District, Xuhui District, Changning District, Jing’an District, Putuo District, Zhabei District, Hongkou District, Yangpu District

4 Inner Suburb Districts: Pudong New District, Baoshan District, Minhang District, Jiading District

5 Outer Suburb District: Jingshan District, Songjiang District, Qingpu District, Nanhui District, Fengxian District

1 Rural County: Chongming District

Shanghai Codes

Shanghai Postal Code: Shanghai zip codes range from 200000 to 201107. However, not all within the range are in use.

Shanghai Area Code: Internal dialing code is 021 while international telephone calling code is +86-21.

Dǎi Jiā Cūn Restaurant

dǎi jiā cūn literally means Dai People's Village. Dai is an ethnic minority group in Yunnan province of China, with custom similar to Thai people. The restaurant offers an exotic dinning environment with minority folk dance show during dinner time. Shanghai Train Station and Jade Buddha Temple are close by.
Number of seats total: 41 tables with approx. 300 seats
Number of private rooms: 10 private rooms
Cuisine: Yunnan, Sichuan, and Shanghai dishes
Décor: exotic decoration of Dai is an ethnic minority group with intensive use of bamboo
Parking: available
Address: No. 159, Ao Men Road, Shanghai, China

Waterborne Restaurant

The restaurant is anchored at eastern bank of the Huangpu River, known as the Bund, in the downtown Shanghai. With great view of the Huangpu River and the Bund while enjoying delicious food, it going to be a great experience.
Number of seats: around 45 tables with approx. 350 seats
Number of private rooms: 6 private rooms
Cuisine: Shanghai cuisine
Décor: eating on a boat floating on the Huangpu River. Great view through the glass wall.
Parking: drop off only
Address: No. 127, Second East Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, China

Quanjude Restaurant Pudong

An affiliated restaurant of Quanjude Brand, which is a restaurant chain known as the origin of Peking Roast Duck. Located at the second level of the Purple Mountain Hotel, a 5-star hotel at Pudong special economic zone of Shanghai, the restaurant provides top-notch service with finest roast duck meal in China. English menu is available.
Number of seats: around 55 tables with approx. 400 seats
Number of private rooms: 7 private rooms
Cuisine: Shanghai cuisine, and Peking Roast Duck
Parking: available
Address: No. 778, Dong Fang Road, Pudong, Shanghai, China

Zǐ Jǐn Chéng Restaurant

zǐ jǐn chéng in Chinese means purple splendid city, which is a big fine restaurant ideally located right next to the Yu Garden in downtown Shanghai, offering various fine food with cozy traditional Chinese ambience.
Number of seats: around 80 tables with approx. 600 seats
Number of private rooms: 12 private rooms
Cuisine: Shanghai cuisine
Décor: traditional Chinese architecture and ambience.
Parking: at the parking court of the Yu Garden
Address: 4th level, No. 81 Li Shui Road, Shanghai, China

Lǜ Bō Láng Restaurant

lǜ bō láng Restaurant literally translates "green wave corridor restaurant", a top-notch restaurant perfectly located inside the City God Temple in downtown Shanghai. English menu and service available.
Number of seats: around 75 tables with approx. 600 seats
Number of private rooms: 10 private rooms
Cuisine: Shanghai cuisine and Dim sum
Décor: traditional Chinese architecture and ambience of Ming & Qing Dynasties
Parking: at the parking court of the Yu Garden
Address: No. 131 Yu Yuan Road, Shanghai, China

Getting Around and Away

By Air

Shanghai is the only city having two international airports in China-- Pudong Airport and Hongqiao Airport, the former is the main international gateway while the latter serves most of the domestic flights. From Shanghai, people can fly to all the main cities in the country (excluding Taiwan), and to the important cities of more than 20 countries and regions in the world.

Pudong International Airport
Pudong International Airport is situated in Pudong New Area, it is 30 km away from the downtown area and 40 km away from the Hongqiao International Airport. Pudong International Airport is becoming one of the aviation centers in the world.

Hongqiao International Airport
Hongqiao International Airport is located in the western part of the city and is 13 km away from the downtown area, as the old airport in Shanghai, it now mainly services domestic flights.

By Train

Shanghai connects with all artery railways through Beijing-Shanghai and Shanghai-Hangzhou railway lines, and many parts of the country can be reached by direct train from here. Every day some 80 pairs of trains depart from or arrive at the city. Shanghai has several railway stations, with Shanghai Railway Station as the largest and oldest, the other two are Shanghai South Railway Station which was opened in July 2006 and is set to take over all services towards the south of China, and Shanghai West Railway Station as well.

By Bus

Shanghai has several long-distance bus stations from which buses leave for Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, some other cities and towns.

By Ship

Shanghai Harbor is an important transportation port for entering and exiting the city as well as a water passenger transport hub in east China, and it is also China's only sea, river and inland river passenger transportation port. Shanghai Harbor now consists of the Shiliupu, Gongpinglu, Waihongqiao, Luchaogang, Jinshan, Wusong, Baoyanglu and Shidongkou passenger stations, from which passengers can go to Putuoshan, Dalian in Liaoning province, cities along the Yangtze River such as Nanjing, Wuhu, Jiujiang and Wuhan, and Japan.

Getting Around

By Subway

The subway is an excellent way to get around the city quickly and conveniently. Shanghai now has 5 lines with another 4 under construction. The trains are fast, cheap and fairly user-friendly with most signs both in Chinese and English, but the trains can get very packed during rush hour.

By Taxi

Taxi is generally a good choice for transportation in the city, though Shanghai now is an over- congested metropolis. Taxi colors in Shanghai are strictly controlled and indicate the company the taxi belongs to. Turquoise taxis operated by Dazhong, the largest taxi company in Shanghai, are often judged as the best of the bunch. Yellow taxis belong to QiangSheng taxi company, while white taxis belong to JinJiang taxi company, and blue taxis and red taxis belong to those small taxi companies that they don't have an identified color. Taxis are required to switch on the meter for all journeys, so always insist that the meter is used, unless taking a long trip out of town.

By Ferry

Ferry boats shuttle across the Huangpu River every 15 minutes between the southern Bund and Pudong's Lujiazui District, which is worth a try to gain an experience if time is permitted.

By Maglev Train

More a tourist attraction and prestige project than practical means of transport, the Maglev Train runs from Pudong airport to its teminal Longyang in Pudong in 8 minutes, from where you can transfer to the metro to get to your destination. The Maglev Trains run every 20 minutes from 7 am to 9 pm daily at a blazing speed of 430 km/h, and the ride is definitely an experience in a rollercoasterish way.

Climate and Weather

Shanghai has a sub-tropical monsoon climate, which is warm and humid. Its average annual temperature is 16°C and the annual precipitation is 1,100mm. It has four distinct seasons: a shorter spring and autumn, and a longer summer and winter. The hottest month is July with an average temperature of 30°C, and the coldest month is January with an average
temperature of 3°C.

The climate is favorable for making tours all year round. The best time to visit is Spring and Autumn for mild temperature and comfortable humidity.

Tourist Attractions

Several scenic tourist cities are near Shanghai and conveniently reachable on the new high speed (over 200 km/hr) trains. These are comfortable and reasonably priced.

Hangzhou, about 75 minutes away by CRH (China Railway High-speed), is a place full of legends best known for its elegant natural beauty.

Suzhou, a historic town under an hour away from Shanghai by train. The city has long been lauded by emperors, ancient poets, and scholars alike for its beauty and vitality. Suzhou is also regarded as a live museum of classic Chinese gardening arts with a number of well preserved Gardens for long history.

Shopping in Shanghai

Shop until you drop on China's premier shopping street Nanjing Road, or head for the Yuyuan Bazaar for Chinese crafts and jewelry not far from the Bund. The more famous part lies in the east near the Bund (Nanjing Road East), with a 1-km long pedestrian boulevard (Metro line 2 at Nanjing Road East station, formerly called Henan Road station) lined with busy shops. The No. 3 on the Bund is another high-end shopping center featuring Giorgio Armani's flagship store in China.

For those interested in boutique shopping, head to the French Concession Streets Xin Le Road, Chang Le Road, and An Fu Road starting from east of Shan Xi Road. This section of low rise building and tree-lined streets bustles with small boutiques of clothing and accessories, young Shanghainese looking for the latest fashions and coffee shops.

Antiques, jade and communist China memorabilia can be found in Dongtai Road Antiques Market, where you must bargain if you want to get a fair deal. Yuyuan Gardens is another good option for antiques as well as all manner of cheaply made and priced souvenirs (teapots, paintings, "silk" bags, etc.).