A blend of the Orient and Europe in China's busiest port city

The city of Shanghai is located on the coast of the East China Sea on the western edge of the Pacific Rim. It is a major commercial and industrial center in China and the busiest port city in the country.

Some 16 million people live in the city, which is 6,340 square kilometers.

Shanghai has become a premier financial hub in Asia and the world. It is home to many international corporations' regional head offices and therefore many airlines fly to Shanghai.

There are two international airports: The Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, located some 15 kilometers from downtown, serves domestic flights and the Pudong International Airport, some 40 kilometers away from the city center, serves international flights.

Four kinds of public transportation -- taxis, ferries, subways and buses -- are available for locals and visitors.

Buses and subways operate from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. while taxis, which are abundant and cheap, are available 24 hours a day. Those needing a taxi can order by telephone or hail one off the street. Ferries bring passengers across the Huangpu River in only four minutes.

Shanghai offers a wide range of accommodation -- more than 3,200 hotels have 260,000 beds and suit all travel budgets.

The weather in Shanghai ranges from O Celsius degree in the winter to 32.5 Celsius degree in the summer, depending on the four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are shorter than summer and winter.

What can you see in Shanghai?

The city is a blend of Chinese history and European sophistication. Home to renowned local cuisine, Shanghai is also a center for chic western restaurants of all kinds. Traditions are strong and local festivals depicting Chinese culture are colorful. But the people of Shanghai always keep up with the latest trends, whether in fashion, communication or the latest snacks.

Hip youths wearing the latest fashion are a common sight in downtown Shanghai, especially along its most famous street, Nanjing Road.

If you are addicted to shopping, take note that the fine art of bargaining applies to Shangai's markets and vendors. The best street for shopping is Nanjing Lu, which has five and a half kilometers of shops and restaurants to welcome visitors. Another popular shopping outlet is Xiangyang market, where you can hunt down the latest styles in clothing and watches and souvenirs.

Your bargaining skills will be tested when you buy from traditional markets or street vendors. Most of my friends were disappointed as they only asked for a 20 percent to 30 percent discount off the original price. In fact, one should start their bargaining by asking for a 70 percent to 80 percent discount.

If you cannot talk them down to the price you want, simply walk away and chances are they will call you back and give in to the price you were after.

Some of the must-see places to visit in Shanghai are the Sun Yat-Sen Residence, the Bund, the Oriental Pearl Tower, Nanjing Road and last but not least, the Shanghai Museum.

The 468-meter-high Oriental Pearl TV Tower is Asia's highest free-standing structure and the third highest in the world. It has restaurants, shops, museums, viewing halls, deluxe guest rooms and radio and TV studios.

The Shanghai Museum is one of China's four largest museums and houses a collection of valuable cultural relics. The over 120,000 pieces include bronze sculptures and artifacts, porcelain, calligraphic works, Chinese paintings, jade, coins, ancient furniture and many others.

Source: City of Wonders: Incentives Guide

-- A'an Suryana