Shanghai, locally called Hu for short, sits at the mouth of the Yangtse River and is now one of the largest cities in China with a population of 18 million – it has a water-borne population of 2 million – quite a change from its humble start as a fishing village!

Glamourous, trend-setting, contemporary and yet showcasing an historic past Shanghai is an eclectic city and one that shouldn’t be missed by any visitor to China’s eastern seaboard. The city was well-known as an 'oriental Paris' in its early 20th century heyday, a period of prosperity that has returned today. Shanghai is a shopper's paradise with Nanjing Road its main artery and Huaihai Road attracting those looking for fashion.

People are attracted by the city’s traditional sights – the famous Bund where tai chi is practiced early in the morning in front of once great western commercial premises. Yu Yuan Gardens are the largest of Shanghai's ancient gardens with Ming and Qing Dynasty influence. Jade Buddha Temple dates from 1882; at first a temple was built to keep two jade Buddha statues which had been brought from Burma by the monk Huigen. This temple was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty but fortunately the jade Buddha statues were saved and a new temple was built on the present site in 1928.

Other attractions include the Jin Mao Tower (tallest building in China and 3rd tallest in the world), Longhua Park and the wonderful Shanghai Museum.