Top 20 Facts about the city of Shanghai

Top 20 Facts about the city of Shanghai

Image: Wikipedia

Shanghai became a city during the Yuan Dynasty in 1291, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. Its history is exciting and it is worth checking out!
Here are some interesting facts about this amazing Chinese city!

1. One of the world’s largest cities!

China is one of the largest cities in the world with a population of 24.1 million people. It is also one of the biggest business hubs rivaling New York and Beijing, Karachi, and others. It originally started as a small fishing village and did not become a city until the 13th Century. It also started growing rapidly during the end of the 18th and 19th centuries because of its great location and good port!

2. English is a common language

Even though Mandarin is predominantly spoken in China as well as the Chinese dialect Shanghainese is the main language in the city, English is widely spoken in the city of Beijing, mostly attributed to the city is a business hub. English is a mandatory course in schools in Shanghai from First Grade.  

3. Famous tourist destination

Image: Wikimedia

Shanghai is a very popular tourist destination. It is popular for its beautiful architecture, nightlife, many cultures, skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower. There is also the Yu Garden, Zhujiajiao Water Tower, the Shanghai Museum, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and many other attractions. The best times to visit are May, September, and October when the weather is warm. 

4. A place of refuge

During the World war, many Jews fled and settled in Shanghai because of the Nazis. The almost 20,000 people sought refuge there between 1937 and 1939.

5. ‘Foreigners Crossing’

During 1856, a bridge was built which allowed foreigners to cross for free while the Chinese locals were charged a fee. The Waibaidu Bridge coined the name Foreigners Crossing from it. 

6. Marriage market!

Every weekend, parents with unmarried children go to the People’s Park with resumes in the hopes of finding partners for them! Very interesting!

7. The dragon’s lair

In the People’s Square, you will find the Nine Dragon’s Pillar, which has a metal covered with dragons. Stories are told of how the ground could not be dug no matter how many times the workers tried. A Buddhist priest told them that that was a dragon’s lair and in honoring the dragon, they built the pillar! 

8. Delicacies 

Image: Wikipedia

Want some vibrancy in your body, forget the amazing dumplings (which are also a star dish there), the hairy crabs, served with Shaoxing Sherry Wine will cool down your body!

9. Robust transport system

Shanghai has the longest metro system in the world, 644 km all of it being underground. It has about 393 stations spread throughout the city. Shanghai Maglev is the world’s fastest train, it connects Pudong International airport and the downtown part of Shanghai. 

10. Favorable travel conditions

There is a 6 day- 144-hour visa-free option for people from America, Britain, Canada among other countries to enjoy Shanghai. This makes it easy to go to Shanghai, either to visit for those few days or even if you are in transit, you could utilize this option. 

11. A very cosmopolitan city

Since it is the world’s largest city with a robust business community, it is only normal for Shanghai to be a cosmopolitan society, having people from all over the world. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it also has a history of and modernity. It is also a city of expats, having more than 170, 000 expats in 2015!

12. It has beautiful neighbors 

The city has several ancient towns in the neighborhood, between 20 and 100km. these are more than 10 ancient towns which are very beautiful; some have canals and people need canoes as a form of transport!

13. City plan

Shanghai is located near the South China Sea, along the Yangtze River Delta, and that is the name Shanghai translates to ‘above/ upon the sea’. The city of Shanghai has 16 districts and 3 counties. Shanghai itself is one of the four direct-controlled municipalities of the People’s Republic of China.

14. Tap water is not safe

You might want to buy drinking water from shops or restaurants since the tap water in Shanghai- just like other parts of China- is not safe for consumption!

15. Download VPN 

Communication on almost all digital platforms is censored by the Chinese government, people, especially from other parts of the world, would need to download VPN to be able to connect with their families and friends!

16. Vibrant nightlife

The district of Puxi has a very vibrant nightlife! Places like Found 158, the Nest, the Cannery, Bar Rouge, UP, Julu 758; which will offer you some of the most amazing experiences with a wide variety of activities in the city!

17. Affordable and easy transportation 

Image: Wikipedia

The taxi services are way more affordable in Shanghai than in most other large cities in the world. Therefore, getting by and going around town will be much easier in Shanghai! The metro services are also very easy to navigate and time-saving especially if it rains and someone needs to beat traffic!

18. Need good food?

The best restaurants are often found in malls all around the city. You will find amazing dumplings, Di Shui Dong ribs, Peking duck and so on. Street food is also found at the South Bund Fabric Market, Xhinzha Lu, Yanping Lu Junction and many more. There are many choices! 

19. Weekend park plans

Weekends in Shanghai are very interesting; the parks coma alive with people playing games, dancing to Chinese music, flying kites, gambling, cards, chess, and many other games.

20. A city of jazz in the ’20s 

In the 20s and 30s, Shanghai had a fusion of Chinese folk melodies and tunes from countries such as the USA during a period of political uncertainty in China. This was the time when Shanghai was under the Shanghai International Settlement.