Peter
Shanghai is the biggest and most developed city in China which is wildly recognized as the best display of China’s booming economy. In a surprisingly short time, nearly 1,000 high building rises above the city, ranking the highest number in China and the fifth city in the world with the most skyscrapers taller than 150 m (after Hong Kong, Shenzhen, New York, Dubai). These iconic edifices not only define Shanghai’s amazing modernization achievements, but also sketch a sublime skyline inspiring numerous photographers. The most eye-catching Shanghai skyline lies in Lujiazui, opposite the Bund, where four iconic towers rear high into the sky. They are Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower (468 m/1,535 ft), Shanghai Tower (632 m/2,073 ft), Shanghai World Financial Center (492 m/1,614 ft) and Jinmao Tower (421 m/1,381 ft). The best place to spot the panoramic view of the four skyscrapers is the riverside viewing platform along the Bund. All travelers to Shanghai take good photos here as landmark check-in. Buildings with colorful lights shows are dazzling when reflected on the river.
People
Shanghai is the largest city in the world, with a population of nearly 25 million people –roughly 3 times the size of New York City!
In the mix you can find around 200 thousand foreigners from all over the world. You can guarantee that there are plenty of interesting people for you to meet.
Culture
The city is generally thought of as modern, contemporary China with plenty of Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Teslas buzzing around; however, Shanghai also has several historic landmarks and major museums, and some of the most amazing suburban scenic historic water towns for you to explore.
Food
You can be sure to find some great mouth watering spots among Shanghai’s approximately twenty thousand restaurants.
Besides having the most delicious Chinese food from different parts of China, you can also find tasty Mexican, Indian, American, Japanese, Korean (North and South), Spanish, French, and basically food from almost everywhere in the world!
Shopping
For the shopaholics, you are in for a treat. The number of malls in Shanghai is growing in leaps and bounds. You can find all the global luxury brands, the fast retailers, and some cool Chinese local brands. You can also purchase some interesting Chinese souvenirs at Yu Garden or Tianzifang.
Night life
The world class night scene in Shanghai will keep you up all night.
Locals and foreigners clearly like to enjoy themselves at the many bars, pubs, and clubs spotted throughout the city. (Note to EM students – make sure you arrive to your class on time and sober! ☺)
Business
Shanghai is the economic heart of booming mainland China, and you can really feel it in the air. The city has everything you’d expect from a financial center – with the Shanghai Stock Exchange, a thriving commercial sector, and nearly 15,000 high rise buildings (the world’s most).
You can take a stroll through Lujiazui financial district right across from the Bund to see some of the tallest buildings in the world – make sure to go to the top floor and check out the amazing views!
