Overview Located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is China's most populated city. This cosmopolitan city was originally a simple fishing and textile town, but boomed in size and significance because of its premium port location. Shanghai is one of the world's most important port cities, and is also well known as being China's center of commerce.
There are many famous landmarks in Shanghai, such as the Bund, the Oriental Pearl Tower and Xintiandi. In fact, Shanghai's skyline is home to some of the tallest buildings in the world. Besides historic areas and modern works of art, there also are great dining, fashion and entertainment options in Shanghai.
Shanghai experiences four distinct seasons during the year. Winters can be quite cold, with snow possible (but rare). The summer, which is Shanghai's peak tourist season, is quite humid and hot. Rainfall is not uncommon in Shanghai, and typhoons have occurred throughout its history. The Spring and Autumn are the most comfortable seasons of the year in Shanghai (temperature-wise).
Destinations The following destinations can be visited on a cruise leaving from Shanghai, China:
Asia
World Cruises
Currency The official currency of The People's Republic of China's mainland is Renminbi (RMB). This form of money's principal unit is the yuan. Using a credit card whenever possible is a great way to avoid having to exchange currency. ATM machines are available, but make sure you use one that works with the card you're using.
Language The official language in Shanghai, China is Standard Mandarin. The native language of this area is actually called Shangainese, a dialect of Wu Chinese. Many of the locals (especially those in tourist areas) speak some English, as it's a mandatory course taught in school (from the 1st grade).
Tourist Attractions The Bund, one of the most famous tourist areas in Shanghai, is a region in Shanghai's Huangpu district that runs along the Hangpu River. The main street in this area is Zhongshan Road. Within the Bund are some of the most famous buildings in Shanghai, featuring a wide range of interesting architectural styles.
Among the Bund's famous buildings is the Peace Hotel, a world famous hotel located by Nanjing Road, one of the busiest streets in all of Shanghai. The Peace Hotel is composed of two buildings, one of them being Sassoon House (formerly the Cathay Hotel), which is famous for its jazz band. The other building is the former Palace Hotel.
Nanjing Road is Shanghai's premier shopping street. It's actually one of the busiest shopping areas in the world! It's a pedestrian-only area, located in the city center, featuring various luxury shopping stores. During major holidays celebrations, sometimes featuring a fireworks show, take place there.
Huai Hai Road is an area in the Luwan district of Shanghai, famous for its high-end fashion shops and fine dining venues.
Xintiandi is one of Shanghai's main attractions. It's a popular entertainment, shopping and dining area. This area is car-free, so it's nice to be able to leisurely walk around and enjoy yourself there. There is a cinema, book stores, cafes (indoor and outdoor) and a shopping mall in Xiantiandi. This is a popular area to take a date for a romantic evening. Being an area geared towards tourists, you'll probably find the prices to be a little high in Xiantiandi.
The Pudong district is Shanghai's main commercial and financial area. In this area of the city you'll find the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone and the famous Shanghai skyline.
Shanghai's skyline is beautiful. The Oriental Pearl Tower, the most noticeable part of the skyline, is a TV tower that actually happens to be the tallest tower in all of Asia (and is the third tallest tower in the world). The tower is 1,535 feet high and its construction was completed in 1995. There are 15 observatory levels in the tower, the tallest (known as the Space Module) is located at 1,148 feet high. There's also a revolving restaurant in the tower, at 867 feet high. Also in this area are restaurants, a shopping mall and a hotel (the Space Hotel). Jin Mao Tower is another landmark in the Shanghai skyline, standing 88-stories high. The five-star Shanghai Grand Hyatt Hotel is located within this building. There are various bars, restaurants and clubs within this tower. The Shanghai World Financial Center is an architectural masterpiece. It's the tallest structure in China, at 1,615 feet high, and is the world's third tallest building. Within this building is the Park Hyatt Shanghai hotel.
Yuyuan Gardens, at over 400 years old (during the Ming Dynasty) and 5 acres in size, are located in the center of the Old City section of Shanghai. This area is considered to be one of the finest Chinese gardens in the world. Among the beautiful sections of this area are the Jade Magnificence Hall, the Inner Garden, the Lotus Pool and the Grand Rockery. Besides the amazing gardens, there is also a shopping area there.
Port Location The Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal is located in the central bank of the Huangpu River, in Shanghai's Hongkou district. It's a massive 130,000-square-meter building.
