Shanghai, the Queen of tourist destinations Shanghai once (in the 11th century) was a small fishing village. In later centuries the town continued to grow up to be (in the 18th century) one of the main ports of China and one of the most important cities of the world. Known as the "Paris of the Orient" or "Pearl of the Orient", Shanghai is the largest economic, financial and cultural center of China. The territory of Shanghai covers an area of 6350 km square. The urban area, where it lives a population of 19,5 million inhabitants, occupies an area of 750 km square and is divided into 18 districts. Shanghai long ago (from 1842 to 1943) was divided into different "Concessions" each of which was entrusted to foreign governments (mainly British, French, American and Japanese). The famous Bund (visited by millions of tourists) gives us a significant testimony: the buildings located in this area are highly prized for their harmonious combination of styles and as witness of the cultural exchanges between China and the West. Today Shanghai is a spectacularly modern city with over 300 attractions of the past and about 200 attractions of the present (futuristic buildings). Shanghai is well equipped to receive millions of tourists. Many of its hotels are among the best in Asia. Usually hotels in Shanghai have low prices (especially when compared with other popular destinations worldwide). The Shanghai hotels in Chinainfotravel are more than 300 and through our web pages you can get special internet rates (highly discounted).