Warm weather, great shopping, vibrant night life, phenomenal food, and loads of history. This city is the intersection of 1930s Western glam with a skyscraper-dominated future. When I was here ten years ago, I thought it was the New York City of China. It probably still is.

Of all the cities I have visited in China. Nanjing is the best, and Shanghai is the Worst. The city is fairly recent, so there is not much history with it, instead, you get a dirty, polluted city with everything you can find in the western world. Why would anyone spend thousands of dollars, and hours of traveling to see another copy of New York? I sure wouldn't want to do that, plus, all the stuff about the terrible pollution is true. Not all Chinese cities are this bad though.
I hate the city so much, but i have no choice, every time i go to china, i have to connect there. I wish they could build an international airport near Nanjing instead.

While I'm glad I visited Shanghai (in October), it wasn't my favorite city in China by any stretch. The sightseeing options are somewhat limited, and the city is not very attractive overall. Getting around is a challenge, and the pollution is oppressive. (Boy, do I feel sorry for the residents.) On the upside, I really enjoyed having tea at the Huxinting Teahouse (the oldest in Shanghai) in the Yu Garden area. The other highlight was taking in the incredible view from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The new construction taking place is not to be believed. The Shanghai Circus World show was definitely worth seeing. If you're planning to visit Shanghai, two days should be plenty.

lived there for 9 months and what a place.

completely mad, totally compelling.

nothing exists with such energy and dynamism,

this coming from a steadfast Londoner!

enjoy at your own risk!!!!

I was there in April 2004. This is a horrible, horrible place. It has the worst air pollution I have ever seen. I was there 4 days and never saw a tree or bird! In addition to the 15 million documented population there are 4 million people living in the streets and shanty towns. They brag about their maglev train but you dare not drink the water. What a misplaced set of priorities!

Shanghai is a new city -- there's the old city starting along the Bund and the new city on the side called Pudong with incredible new architecture. We visited very briefly in April 2002 and would definitely go back. The new hotels are glorious, and restaurants are fine.

I refuse to go to China and support the Reds.

A city with no trees. One of the worst megacities in Asia. Go to Beijing instead.