Shanghai, a world-famous metropolis, is the largest city of China with a status equivalent to a province. It lies on Huangpu River, in the Yangtze delta, covering an area of 6340 square km. It has an oceanic and monsoon climate in the subtropical zone, with an annual average temperature of 15.5 degrees Centigrade, and rainfall of 1,120 millimeters. Shanghai is neither cold in winter, nor very hot in summer.

Shanghai is endowed with favorable geographical and natural conditions, and a long history of development. It has a well-developed commodity economy and comparatively high scientific and technological level. In recent years, it has made rapid progress in finance and banking service, and stands as one of the main financial centers in China. The Pudong Development Area in Shanghai is an important special economic zone in China. The level of the new area's industry, commerce, finance, trade, post and telecommunications stands at the forefront in China.

Shanghai is an important hub of communications. It has an easy access to the outside world by all means of transport: ocean, offshore and inland water shipping, high way and railroad transport, air flights etc. As the biggest seaport in China, the port of Shanghai has trade links with ports of over 100 countries and regions.

Efforts are being made to develop Shanghai into a modern international economic, financial and trade center.

Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden is located in Chenghuangmiao (City God Temple) in urban Shanghai. Built in 1559, it occupies only two hectares yet offers 40 scenic attractions. Thanks to its intricate design, it's complete with pavilions, lakes, bridges and rocks.

City God Temple

The City God Temple was a Taoist Temple. According to Taoism cities should be guarded by city gods. Shanghai had its first City God Temple built in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Today's City God Temple Bazaar is composed of specialty stores selling traditional Chinese arts and crafts, medicine and souvenirs. Over a hundred small stores stand side by side, beautifully laid with a large collection of commodities, each with its own unique feature and alive with shoppers, keeping the style of traditional Chinese town streets.

Yufo (Jade Buddha) Temple

The Jade Buddha Temple was built in 1882, and covers 8,000 square meters. The temple got its name from the two jade statues of Sakyamuni, one seated and one reclining, both brought from Myanmar.

The Huangpu River

The 110-kilometer-long Huangpu River flows through Shanghai.

Shanghai Museum

The museum collects bronze ware from the Shang and Zhou dynasties (16th to 3rd century B.C.), pottery, porcelain, calligraphy and paintings. It also boasts collections of sculptures, seals, currency and arts & crafts of various dynasties.