Top 10 Shanghai Facts You Should Know

Shanghai is certainly not the largest city in China for its geographical area, but it ranks China’s largest city in terms of the population. Although its total area is 6,340 square kilometers (2,458 square miles), ranking the 33st in China, there are over 24 million people living there, leading to a population density of 3,920 per square kilometer.

Over the past two decades, Shanghai has thrived. In the top ten global financial centers list released by the Global Financial Centers Index in 2024, it ranks sixth and third in Asia. Many businesses have flourished in Shanghai, providing new opportunities for China's growing middle class and foreigners who want to enter the Chinese market.

In terms of cultural and historical facts about Shanghai, the colonial past makes it unique from other cities in China. 

 a. Originally, it was a small fishing and textiles town who did not gain its identity until it was opened to foreign powers in the 1842 Treaty of Nanking. The British, French, Americans, Germans, and Russians started to move in. 

 b. The city flourished as a cosmopolitan and thriving commercial and financial center, dubbed the Paris of the East in the 1920s and 1930s. Many westerners set distinct western-style banks, trading houses, and mansions, leaving a totally different architectural legacy. Although erected during different periods in varying styles, such as Gothic, Romanesque, or Baroque, those buildings exist harmoniously. Many of the buildings we see on the Bund and in the Former French Concession were built during this period.

 c. In 1990, it was chosen to spearhead modern China’s reform and opening up, which resulted in intense development. 

 d. At present, it is probably the most evocative city for an outsider to visit all of the country. Its modern and ever-expanding skylines include the emblematic Oriental Pearl Tower, the soaring modern art-deco Shanghai Tower and the 101-floor World Financial Centre .

Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower

 

China has implemented a 30-day visa-free policy for citizens of 38 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Australia and Japan. Starting from November 30, 2024, citizens of these countries can enter China without a visa, and the maximum length of stay is 30 days. Currently, the number of countries whose citizens can enter China without a visa has increased to 63.

Also, 144-hour Visa-free transit is implemented in Shanghai for foreign citizens from 53 countries, including Canada, Brazil, Denmark, France, UK, USA, Italy, Japan, Poland, etc.

More to see: 
China Visa-free Policy
144-hour Visa-free Transit in Shanghai
15-day Visa-Free Policy for Cruise Tour Groups to Shanghai

As one of the transportation hubs in China, visitors can directly reach Shanghai from numerous important cities from abroad by air. The city has two international airports, respectively Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. Its four railway stations take visitors easily to their destinations in China through trains, including the high-speed trains. Moreover, the top priority to travel around in downtown is metro for its high speed, safety, and convenience. There are 20 subway lines and 1,596 bus lines operated, passing by a vast majority of famous scenic spots, like People’s Park, The Bund, Xintiandi, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yu Garden, Confucius Temple…  

Shanghai Subway

 

The best time to visit Shanghai is in its spring and autumn, when the climate is neither too hot nor too cold. Belonging to the subtropical maritime monsoon, spring here usually from March to May and autumn from October to middle November, are always warm and pleasant, making it comfortable to go outside. 

 

The colorful nightlife makes it a sleepless city, which is one of Shanghai interesting facts that you should know. When night comes, all lights shine brightly from every direction. At this time, a Huangpu River Cruise will take visitors to appreciate the charm of night scenes on both sides. In addition, most people prefer to spend free time after dark along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, where they may have a big bargain for small products, or enjoy some snacks and street food. Despite these, Xintiandi is a favorable place for its distinctive buildings, most of which are used as themed restaurants, art galleries, fashion shops, café shops or bars. Moreover, Hengshan Road cultivating bars in great number can be one of the most bustling places there at night.   

Outside the bustling downtown area, there are many famous water towns lying around the city, including Zhujiajiao, Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Wuzhen, Xitang, Nanxun , Qibao, and Luzhi. They are characterized by burbling brooks, arched bridges, slab-stone paved alleys, waterside teahouses and white-washed traditional style dwellings. Wandering through these waterside ancient towns to experience the locals’ leisure life style as well as appreciating the living cultural heritage will be one of the highlights of your trip. 

Qibao water town

 

Shanghai cuisine is renowned for its unique flavor profile, with a prominent characteristic being its delightful sweetness. Sugar is a core ingredient, skillfully used to create a variety of mouthwatering dishes. For example, the well-known Pineapple Sweet and Sour Pork features a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, and the steamed buns with sweet meat filling are also a local favorite.

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