Shanghai is the largest city in China, with an area of 6,100 square kilometres and a population of 6.98 million. A world metropolis and trade port with various industrial lines developed, it has wide economic contacts with more than 150 countries. Historically, the city was under the jurisdiction of the state of Wu during the Spring and Autumn Period, known as "Huating"; the lower reaches of the Wusong River flowing through the city were merely a vast expanse of water, hence the name Huhai (simply Hu. meaning "a fishing device made of ropes and bamboo used at the outlet of the sea" in Chinese).

  During the Tianbao years of the Tang, there was built the Qinglong Town Port in present-day Qingpu Country, Shanghai. In the Yuan (1271--1368), Shanghai Country was established and when it came to the Ming (1368--1644), Shanghai became the country's cotton spinning centre. During the reign of Emperor Kang Xi (1662--1722) of Qing Dynasty (1644--1911), the Shanghai Customs was established and a prosperous Shanghai was developed, with numerous merchants and various sizes of seagoing vessels from China and abroad.

  Major tourist attractions in Shanghai include the Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, the Temple of Confucius, Songjiang Square Pagoda, site of the First National Congress of the Communist party of China, former residence of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, old house of Premier Zhou Enlai, residence of Lu Xun, Song Ching Ling Mausoleum, Ancient Ripple Garden, Winding Water Garden, Longhua Tourist Area, Dianshanhu Tourist Area, Jinjiang Playground, etc.
  To develop its tourism, Shanghai has several scores of world class hotels, such as the Jinjiang Hotel, International Hotel, Overseas Chinese Hotel, Hengshan Hotel, Shanghai Hotel, Hongqiao Guest House, Shanghai Mansion and Peace Hotel, with top-grade service provided.

  Taxies can be found at each hotel. World airliners from Shanghai fly to dozens of countries, including the United States, Japan and countries in Europe. Travel by air or train from Shanghai to other Chinese cities is convenient. Jade carving, ivory carving, woolen embroideries and other arts and crafts by Shanghai are world famous.