Shanghai is located on the Yangtze River estuary. It is China’s largest industrial city and has an area of nearly 6,000 square kilometers, and a population of nearly 19 million.

Today’s Shanghai has embraced the forces of business and design and rewritten its rule book shaping a fresh multi-cultural metropolis with both modern and traditional Chinese features.

The Bund is a riverfront area within the former Shanghai International Settlement, in the eastern part of Huangpu District. The Bund usually refers to the buildings and wharves on this section of the road, as well as some adjacent areas. It is arguably one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai.

Shanghai is the hotspot of modern China, buzzing with the concept of ‘lifestyle revolution’, showcased in art, architecture, dining and contemporary urban living.

You must not miss an airport transfer on Shanghai’s flashy new Maglev, the world’s fastest train, which has been tested at speeds up to 500 km/h. The futuristic magnetic levitation system may yet redefine travel everywhere. The thrill of low flying is amazing. The Maglev isn’t about getting from point A to to point B. Rather, it’s the ride, a glorious glide, from the past to the future.

The Shanghai subway is one of the youngest in the world and might well become the most rapidly expanding. The first line opened in 1995 and the first section of the second line followed only four years later. You will find that travel on this service is clean, fresh and well run. A truly great way to travel around the city.

Above all, the rule for Shanghai is to lay low during, or altogether avoid the Chinese New Year; the city grinds to a halt and public transport is flooded. The rest of winter offers good hotel discounts and few tourists.

Submitted by Barbara Walsh-Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com