Shanghai is located in the middle of China's coastline - a world famous metropolis in China, and it is referred to as the "Pearl of the Orient". Shanghai is one of the four municipalities under direct control of the central Chinese government, and because of the open market policies adopted here, Shanghai has become the most prosperous commercial city in China.
Shanghai is also approved by the state as a top level historical and cultural city. Located close to the end of the Yangtze river, Shanghai is surrounded by excellent natural resources. The city covers an area of over 6,340 square kilometers, with the urban area covers 749 square kilometers. Within the Shanghai municipality, there are 16 districts and 3 counties that boasts a population of over 17 million people.
Shanghai Transportation
Shanghai is one of the most modernized, key commercial and transportation hubs of China. For example, land transportation includes the key rail routes of Beijing-Shanghai, and Shanghai-Hangzhou - among dozens of other railways connecting to all over China. Shanghai also has developed a complete highway that leads to all other cities and provinces. The Hongqiao Airport and Pudong International Airport boasts some of the most advanced facilities and offers air transportation routes to cities and countries all over the world.
Because Shanghai is also situated at the Yangtze river, it also handles a third of China's seagoing freight, that reaches over 400 seaports in different regions of the world. Access to the Pudong new area crossing the Huangpu river has been greatly facilitated by the construction of several key bridges including Songpu, Fengpu, Xupu, Nanpu, and Yangpu bridges.
Shanghai Industries and Economy
Shanghai has become an industrial base boasting many heavy and light industries such as iron, steel, machinery, textiles, and more. There is what's called the 6-pillar industries in Shanghai including automobile, telecommunications, steel, power station equipment, petrochemicals, and home electronic appliances. Shanghai's exports account for almost one fourth of all of China.
The Shanghai Municipality authorities have set targets and designations for various districts under its management. Xuhui district is to become a place for educational and science institutions; Yangpu district is the industrial district including textiles, metallurgy, and ship building; Pudong new area is the booming area of high tech and new, emerging technologies.
Although the metropolitan life of Shanghai is fast paced, the local residents' cultural activities are lively and engaging. Traditional cultural activities have kept up with modern advancements, various new forms of entertainment and activities have sprung up as well. During the week of the "Golden Tourism Week", a series of celebrations take place such as the Temple Fair at Longhua, the Peachblossom Festival at Nanhui, the Shanghai International Tea Festival, and much more.
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