Shanghai - Get A Taste Of 'East Meets West'

Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city. What was once a fishing town is now one of the country's commercial centers (the other is Hong Kong). With impressive architecture including futuristic skyscrapers, and endless shopping opportunities, it's a must for every tourist.

The city, situated in the east of China at the banks of the Yangtze river delta, has a roaring past. For a long time it was the largest port of the Chinese Empire, but in the early 19th Century it fell in British hands. Later Americans, the French and the Japanese controlled parts of the city.

Many migrants from Europe and America came to Shanghai and the city became the biggest financial center in the Far East. In 1949 the Communist Party of China took control. Foreign companies left and went to Hong Kong, but with the reforms in 1992 the city regained its economic force.

There are now 18.6 million people living in the municipality. The city is divided into many districts. The nine disricts at the west bank of the Huangpu river govern Puxi, the part of the city that is often called the old town.

Most residents live in Puxi. If you are searching for shopping, entertainment and culture, you should go to Puxi. People have nicknamed the city the "Paris of the East" and you will find this no surprise once you've been to Puxi. The newer part at the east bank is Pudong. It's Shanghai's commercial and financial hub, with an impressive skyline, dominated by the Oriental Pearl Tower (a 468 meters high TV tower) and the Jin Mao Tower (420 m).

Thanks to its history, this city will get you a taste of "east meets west". With modern architectural marvels among traditional Chinese buildings, it's no wonder why many around the world are flocking to this busy metropolis to enjoy every bits of the action.

Some tips:

Walk along the Bund, the city's most popular boulevard, at the end of the Nanjing East Road at night and get a good view of Pudong, across the Huangpu River.

Shopping is likely to occupy most of your time and the most interesting shops are around Xintiandi and the French Concession.

Hang out in the narrow alleys and shopping mall of Xintiandi, known as "Yesterday meets tomorrow in Shanghai today" and you can see well-heeled expats and locals hang out.

Stroll along Dongtai Lu Antique Market, an open air street market which is the best place to take home memories of your Shanghai trip.

Also, don't miss the Shanghai World Financial Tower, a brand new 101-story tower which will measure 492 meters and include a hotel with 175 rooms.