Visit the “Oriental Pearl’
With a history of more than 700 years, Shanghai was once the financial centre of the Far East. It is the second largest city in China in terms of population and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, with over 20 million people in its extended metropolitan area. Located on China's central eastern coast near the mouth of the Yangtze River, the city is administered as a municipality with province-level status.
Originally a fishing and textiles town, Shanghai grew in importance in the 19th century due to its favourable port location and as one of the cities opened to foreign trade by the 1842 Treaty of Nanking. The city flourished as a centre of commerce between east and west, and became a multinational hub of finance and business by the 1930s. Economic reforms in 1990 resulted in intense development and financing, and in 2005 Shanghai became the world's busiest cargo port.
The city is an emerging tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks such as the Bund and Xintiandi, its modern and ever expanding Pudong skyline including the Oriental Pearl Tower, and its new reputation as a centre of culture and design as well as mainland China's centre for commerce and finance. It has been described as the "showpiece" of the world's fastest-growing economy.
One indicator of its growth is its port. More than 100 foreign countries and regions have investments in local projects, taking advantage of the 74 deepwater berths and 20 international container piers at the Shanghai Port. The Yangshan International Deep Water Port under construction is expected to give a modern twist to the port city.
Shanghai World Expo
Take advantage of this amazing opportunity – the Shanghai World Expo will be taking place at the same time as OMAE 2010! Bring your family and have a vacation at the same time.
Find out more by visiting the Expo website and watch a video on what there will be to see and do.
Resources
- China National Tourism Office: www.cnto.org/shanghai.asp
- Shanghai Municipal Tourism Office: lyw.sh.gov.cn
- Shanghai Government: www.shanghai.gov.cn
- The Lonely Planet: www.lonelyplanet.co
