Country | China |
Population | 26875500 |
Area | 6,341 km2 (2,448 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+08:00 (CST) |
Coordinates | 31.22222, 121.45806 |
Highest elevation | 4Â m (13Â ft) |
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City Description
Shanghai, one of China’s four direct-administered municipalities, is a sprawling metropolis located on the southern estuary of the Yangtze River, with the Huangpu River running through it. As of 2023, the city proper boasts a population of around 29.2 million, while its urban area, the most populous in China, has 39.3 million residents. The Greater Shanghai metropolitan area produced a gross metropolitan product (nominal) of nearly 13 trillion RMB ($1.9 trillion) in 2022.
Shanghai’s transformation from a humble fishing village and market town to a global financial hub began in the 19th century. The city’s strategic location made it a vital trading port, particularly after the First Opium War, which led to the establishment of the Shanghai International Settlement and the French Concession. By the 1930s, Shanghai had emerged as a commercial and financial center of Asia.
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Shanghai was a major battleground. Post-war, the city saw a shift in control to the Chinese Communist Party following the Chinese Civil War. The 1950s to 1970s saw a decline in global influence due to limited trade with the Eastern Bloc. However, economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s spurred redevelopment, particularly in the Pudong New Area, revitalizing the city as a hub for international trade and finance.
Today, Shanghai is home to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, one of the world’s largest by market capitalization, and the Shanghai Free-Trade Zone, the first in mainland China. Classified as an Alpha+ city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network, Shanghai houses 12 Fortune Global 500 companies and ranks fourth on the Global Financial Centres Index. The city is also a major center for research and development, with numerous Double First-Class Universities.
The Shanghai Metro, which first opened in 1993, is the world’s largest by route length. The city’s skyline, particularly in the Lujiazui area, features various architectural styles, including Art Deco and shikumen. Notable landmarks include the City God Temple, Yu Garden, the China Pavilion, and buildings along the Bund, with the Oriental Pearl Tower being a prominent feature.
Shanghai’s cuisine, local language, and cosmopolitan culture contribute to its vibrant atmosphere. The city ranks sixth in the world for the number of skyscrapers and is a significant economic hub globally.
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