Futuristic Beauty of Shanghai

Shanghai became one of the largest continental Chinese cities in the 19th century due to trade and recognition of its favorable port location and economic potential. The annual growth rate of the megacity’s economy is estimated at 10%.
Photo: Pudong, a district in Shanghai.

Lujiazui is Shanghai’s locality situated on a peninsula that is formed by a bend of the Huangpu River. Since the 1990s, this area has been developed as a new financial district of Shanghai. Lujiazui boasts a spectacular view with many impressive high-rise buildings.
Photo: People take a selfie against the backdrop of the Lujiazui skyline, seen from the Bund, across the Huangpu River.

Shanghai is at the crossroads of a multitude of cultures, which have formed the identity of the city.
Photo: Newlyweds at the Nanjing Road in Shanghai.

Shanghai is a major center of the Chinese and world economy which reflects intercultural links and reciprocal influence.
Photo: The Jin Mao Tower (left) and the Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower (center) in Pudong District, Shanghai. The 421-meter-tall Jin Mao Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the world and the fourth among Shanghai’s skyscrapers.

People take a selfie at the Bund in Shanghai against the backdrop of Lujiazui.

Buddhist pagodas and futuristic skyscrapers, business centers and street food shops are situated side by side in this city.
Photo: Oriental Pearl Tower, which stands tall at 468 meters.

As there are more than 24 million people registered in Shanghai, the authorities have been forced to build high-rise buildings to accommodate them.
Photo: A view from the observation site of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai.

The skyscrapers spires of various shapes and colors make up the breathtaking panorama of the Shanghai business center. The city is home to the highest Chinese building– the 632-meter Shanghai Tower. This 128-story mega-tall skyscraper is the world's second-tallest building by height to architectural top (behind Dubai's Burj Khalifa) and the world's third-tallest structure (behind Tokyo Skytree).
Photo: City dwellers in Pudong, Shanghai.

Locals recommend that tourists come to admire the skyline of the city twice: during the daytime and at night, when countless lights illuminate all of the city.
Photo: A view from the observation site of the Shanghai Tower in Pudong, Shanghai.

Pudong, Shanghai.

Despite its reputation as a business and financial center of China, Shanghai is also a popular tourist place with many museums, parks and panoramic terraces.
Photo: City dwellers at the Bund in Shanghai.

City dwellers at the Nanjing Road in Shanghai.

Thrill-seekers will love the panorama from the Oriental Pearl Tower. But if the magnificent view of the city from the terrace doesn’t impress you, take a look down – you will certainly be impressed by the transparent glass floor.
Photo: Visitor on the observation site of the Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower in Shanghai.

A view of Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai.

The city's public transport system is one of the most developed in China. One can find the oldest trolleybus system in the world still operating in Shanghai. The bus system has a thousand lines, while the Shanghai Metro is considered the world's largest rapid transit system by route length and second largest by number of stations.
Photo: Motorcyclists at the Nanjing Road in Shanghai.

Pudong, Shanghai.

There are several Catholic churches, some mosques and an Orthodox church in Shanghai.
Photo: Pudong, a district in Shanghai.

People are seen at the Bund in Shanghai, against the backdrop of Pudong District and Oriental Pearl Tower.