SHANGHAI19,210,000 - population

Shanghai sits on the Yangtze River Delta on China's eastern coast

By the end of 2004, Shanghai's population stood at 16.7022 million, according to China Statistics 2005. Of those, 1.469 million (8.8%) were in the age group of 0–14, 12.661 million (75.8%) between 15 and 64 and 2.572 million (15.4%) were older than 65.

This shows a high working class, less kids and an ageing population.

The City.

• Shanghai has shown a symbol of change, opportunity and sophistication.

• It is very glamorous and a lot of entrepreneurs live there, because it is within global reach.

This used to be farming land as recently as 1990. Now look at it.

It’s a thriving city!

• There used to be high levels of crime and poverty in Shanghai.

• These hidden shanty towns were rarely shown publicly, probably due to the government not wanting to paint a bad picture of china.

Poverty

S.E.Z’s

• eventually got the green light to accept foreign investment in the 1990s.

• This is when the blueprint for the city's future was first laid out. Today's frenzied rate of change is all part of a plan by the Chinese government that aims to make the city into an international financial centre to rival Hong Kong by the year 2020.

Economic Positives.

• efficient metro system and the entire financial district of Pudong were built from scratch

• while some bemoan the destruction of traditional residences and historic buildings, no-one is complaining that the overall living standards have risen dramatically. More than any other place in China, Shanghai is electrified with its youthful optimism and prospects.

Tourism

Thousands of tourists, and lots of money brought into the country.

The Bund

Before the 1840s, the Bund was a muddy narrow lane with tall reeds.

After Shanghai was established as the trading port in 1846, a street was paved there and the riversides were reinforced.

Then, rows of commercial buildings were constructed.

Led to the Bund becoming a major financial hub of East Asia. It was the centre of Shanghai's politics, economy and culture more than a hundred years ago, consulates of most countries and many banks, businesses and newspaper offices were settled there, and that's why we have these art-like buildings.

• In Shanghai, the Huangpu River cruise is a traditional tourist program.

• The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is located in Pudong Park in Lujiazui, Shanghai. The tower, surrounded by the Yangpu Bridge in the northeast and the Nanpu Bridge in the southwest, creates a picture of 'twin dragons playing with pearls'. The entire scene is a photographic jewel that excites the imagination and attracts thousands of visitors year-round.