“Shanghai’s answer to Mayfair” some might have said. Here we are at Anhe New Village. It stands as a testament to Shanghai’s intricate history. Anhe New Village offers a peek into the city’s transformation. Shanghai is known as “The Pearl of Asia”. It is also called “The Paris of the East”. Shanghai is a city of youth and commerce. An international beat runs through each side street.
Shanghai’s story spans over a thousand years. It closely parallels the development of modern China. Originally Shanghai was a small agricultural village. Later it developed during the late Qing dynasty as a principal trading port. Since the economic reforms of the early 1990s Shanghai has burgeoned. It has become one of Asia’s major financial centers.
Shanghai’s city proper population was 24 million people in 2014. It is continually rising. Shanghai is the world’s largest city. The city has boomed in the last two decades. This happened because of China’s desire to see it become an international center of finance and culture. Many businesses thrive in Shanghai. They offer new opportunities to China’s growing middle class and foreigners.
Shanghai is a transportation powerhouse. The longest metro system in the world spreads beneath the city. It has 400 miles of tunnels and track. The Shanghai metro has 393 stations. They spread throughout the city. They connect major attractions. This makes it easy to navigate for international visitors. Shanghai boasts the world’s fastest train. The Shanghai Maglev connects Pudong International Airport to downtown Shanghai.
Shanghai is close to some beautiful water towns. They are located between 20km and 100km to the west of Shanghai. These ancient towns use waterways like roads. Locals and tourists travel around on canal boats. A visit to one of these towns is an ideal day trip from Shanghai.
In 2016, Shanghai was named the most attractive city for expats. This was the fourth time in six years. International Talent Magazine conducted the survey. 48000 expats were polled. They were asked to rank their city on living environment and policies. Shanghai was home to more than 170000 expats as of 2015.
Shanghai boasts a fantastic blend of history and modernity. In the mid-nineteenth century Shanghai was a colonial territory. It was divided into British US and French concessions. Many Chinese lived in the foreign concessions. This blending of cultures brought Shanghai a unique variety of architectural styles. As a thriving metropolis Shanghai also has a very modern feel. The city’s modernity is most apparent at the Huangpu River at night. Visitors can see a stunning light display. They can enjoy great views of the city’s skyscrapers.
The French Concession is the most well-preserved. It is the most well-known of the former foreign concessions. It is filled with European architecture and art-deco styles. The French Concession is a popular place for tourists and locals. Many areas in the city center were influenced by foreign planners and architects. This gives the city its unique international feel. Areas like the Concession and the Bund are still popular. They are popular areas to find expats who call Shanghai home.
The best times to visit Shanghai are in the spring and autumn. Summers have temperatures in the 90s and high humidity levels. Winter temperatures hover around freezing. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and clearer air. These are coveted travel conditions in China. Visiting in the spring means prime viewing of Shanghai’s many flower gardens. They offer a brief respite from the built-up feel of the city. Autumn offers mild temperatures with less humidity and rainfall.
Shanghai offers a 10-day Visa-Free option for 24 provinces. This is available for citizens of the United States the United Kingdom Australia and Canada. Travelers who wish to avoid the hassle of applying for a visa may choose this option. They have to be willing to limit their transit to these areas.
Anhe New Village witnessed Shanghai’s transformation. It reflects its enduring spirit. Shanghai continues to evolve as a global hub. The city honors its past. It embraces the future. Anhe New Village remains a valuable piece of Shanghai’s story.