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Overall
Shanghai, a municipality directly under the central government of China, is a modern international metropolis with a spirit of inclusiveness, pursuit of excellence, broad-mindedness, and humility. Located at the estuary of the Yangtze River in East China and facing the Pacific Ocean, Shanghai forms part of the Yangtze River Delta, one of China's most robust, open and innovative regions.
As China's largest economic powerhouse and an important international financial center, Shanghai had a GDP of 5.39 trillion yuan ($741 billion) in 2024, up 5 percent year-on-year.
Shanghai is also a major international trade and consumption center. In 2024, Shanghai's total imports and exports reached a record high of 4.27 trillion yuan, while total retail sales of consumer goods reached 1.794 trillion yuan.
Shanghai is a major global shipping center and an open hub, implementing the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) agreement and accelerating the construction of the Waigaoqiao and Hongqiao national import trade promotion and innovation demonstration zones.
Shanghai Port has maintained its position as the world's leading container port for the past 15 years, handling a record 51.506 million twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, in 2024. [1]
Prime Location
Shanghai is located on the west coast of the Pacific Ocean and the eastern shoreline of the Asian continent.
Lying between a longitude of 120°51' and 122°12' east and a latitude of 30°40' and 31°53' north, Shanghai is located on the west coast of the Pacific Ocean and the eastern shoreline of the Asian continent. The city sits in the middle of China's north-to-south coastline and at the convergence of the Yangtze and Qiantang rivers. It is bordered to the north by the Yangtze River, to the east by the East China Sea, to the south by Hangzhou Bay, and to the west by Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. The city covers a total area of 6,340.5 square kilometres. [2]
Natural Conditions
Shanghai has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 18.8 C in 2024.
Spring (March to May)
Spring in Shanghai is warm, with flowers in bloom, making it the best season for tourism. People are stepping out of their homes and strolling through parks, with light jackets becoming the standard attire for outings.
During this time, temperatures often fluctuate between chilly in the early morning and pleasantly warm by the afternoon. The average temperature ranges from around 11 to 21 C. Frequent drizzles are a common sight.
Summer (June to August)
Summer here is extremely hot and humid. The highest temperatures, typically in July and August, frequently soar above 35 C in 2024. Thunderstorms are a regular occurrence in the afternoon, providing a brief respite from the sweltering heat. To escape the heat, residents and visitors often visit water parks, air-conditioned shopping malls, or cozy cafes. Notably, from mid-June to early July, Shanghai enters its annual rainy season. Also known as the "plum rain season", this long period of continuous rainy or cloudy weather is not the most favorable time for travel.
Autumn (September to November)
In autumn, the temperature gradually cools down from around 25 C in early fall to about 15 C towards the end. The yellow plane tree leaves and gentle breezes make it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking or strolling along the Bund. Peak typhoon season, generally lasting from late August to mid-September, often brings strong winds and heavy rainfall. If you plan to visit Shanghai during this time, make sure to carry an umbrella that can be used for both rain and sun protection.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is cold and damp. Although the average temperature ranges from 3 to 11 C, the humidity makes it feel much colder. Snowfall is rare, and some years may pass without any snow at all. The coldest period typically falls between late January and early February, when the piercing north winds make it necessary to wear gloves, scarves, and hats for full protection. [3]
Oriental Pearl Tower
Situated at the tip of the glitzy financial area of Lujiazui in Pudong New Area and on the bank of the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl Tower is a central complex incorporating urban sightseeing, fashion, dining, shopping, entertainment, exhibitions, trade fairs, performances and river tours.
The tower is a national landmark and one of the hottest tourist destinations in Shanghai. It was also listed among China's first batch of national 5A-rated tourist attractions in 2007. At 468 metres in height, the tower is the ideal destination for 360-degree panoramic views of Shanghai.
The outdoor sightseeing corridor in the lower sphere is the best spot to enjoy the Bund's "World Expo of Architectures" and the many skyscrapers that make up Shanghai's signature landscape. [4]
[1] https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Overview/20231212/c9aa0f22df154557bbbbb30d996eb2b2.html
[2] https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Overview/20231209/705180b43f794c1ca43f4d1ddaa049a2.html
[3] https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Overview/20241225/ce046a2a1e754fde8c02804d6d66db18.html
[4] https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-ScenicSpots/20231205/19a5f5184eca45728fd57a4d4c8efc61.html
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