City Characteristics
Shanghai, whose name literally means ‘on the sea’, is
located in the middle of China’s East coast, near the mouth of the famous
Yangtze River. It is the largest settlement in China, and the world, in terms
of population, making it a megacity. With a population of 23.9 million in 2013,
it is a quickly expanding city. Shanghai has a latitude of 31°18" North and a longitude of 121°31" East.
The city itself has 16 districts and is part of the People’s Republic of China. Shanghai also has 210 towns and subdistricts. Central Shanghai is, roughly, divided into 2 areas; Pudong (East of the Huangpu River) and Puxi (West of the river). Pudong is the special economic zone of banks, skyscrapers and new residential compounds. Main Economy
Shanghai is an important economic centre in China; with fields branching into finance, shipping and trade. Since ancient times, Shanghai has been a leading power in economic development in the country, mostly due to its excellent port. Shanghai's economy has increased by 10% for the past 15 consecutive years, meaning that it has been growing steadily and will most probably continue to. Wealth and Poverty
Shanghai is not seen as a poverty-stricken environment; in fact it is often seen as the opposite. Most of the population has access to comfortable living spaces, but there is still inhabitants unable to find a reliable source of money and residence, as in every city. Disposable income is income remaining after the deduction of taxes, which is able to be used in whatever way. Shanghai topped residential disposable income in the country recently, with an average of 40,183 yuan-plus ($7529 AUD) annual per capita disposable income. Shanghai has a great economy with the world’s busiest port, which is used for trading, meaning that the city’s industry is bigger than ever. There is definitely enough money to go around in Shanghai, which may be the reason why the city is home to the world’s second highest building, the Shanghai World Financial Centre. |
Climate
The city has a humid subtropical climate; meaning that typical weather is mild and moist. Average temperatures in Shanghai can reach 25°C in summer months, and it can even come to a scorching maximum of 35°C. Typhoons can occur in the windy months of September and October, and the temperatures may drop to below freezing in winter. The graph indicates that average precipitation comes to 170 mm towards the middle of the year; during summer when the weather is usually wet. When it is this time, the average temperature also comes to a year round high. Winter in Shanghai is when the temperature and the precipitation becomes lower, with an average of 38mm in December. Tourism Shanghai has a booming tourist industry, after much effort was put in to the tourism sector; by updating services and reorganizing tourist resources. In 2005, the added value of the tourism industry came to 58.426 billion yuan, an increase of 15.8% from 2004. This particular industry has led to the city having over 351 star-rated hotels, including 25 five-star hotels by the end of that year, and 763 travel agencies within the city. An average of 5.7 million overseas tourists visited in 2005, and the amount has increased over the years, leading to an ever-expanding tourism industry. As an ancient city, Shanghai has 13 historical sites under state protection, which is also a lure for tourists. |
GDP per capita (Gross Domestic Product) is an approximation of the value of goods produced per person in the country or city; equal to the city's GDP divided by the total number of people. This measures the size of the country's economy. The GDP per capita in Shanghai has increased rapidly recently, meaning that the city has maintains a healthy growth of its economy. |
Culture
Shanghai is a very cultured city; it is filled with arts, media, language and fashion. Shanghai is still home to over 100 museums with varying themes, and 262 markets. Also, over 130 festivals and celebrations are held every year, giving many opportunities for residents and tourists to experience the rich culture within the city.
Even with Shanghai's strong roots with the past, the mega city is quickly growing a reputation into being the forward front in technology and the future. Even with advanced architecture and infrastructure, such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai still has room for ancient temples and buildings, that are full of culture.
Shanghai is a very cultured city; it is filled with arts, media, language and fashion. Shanghai is still home to over 100 museums with varying themes, and 262 markets. Also, over 130 festivals and celebrations are held every year, giving many opportunities for residents and tourists to experience the rich culture within the city.
Even with Shanghai's strong roots with the past, the mega city is quickly growing a reputation into being the forward front in technology and the future. Even with advanced architecture and infrastructure, such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai still has room for ancient temples and buildings, that are full of culture.
Transport
Shanghai is known for its extensive range of transportation. Types of transport in Shanghai range from cars, taxis, subways, metros, planes and buses.
Shanghai is known for its extensive range of transportation. Types of transport in Shanghai range from cars, taxis, subways, metros, planes and buses.
- Shanghai is home to 2 major airports; Pudong International
Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. Pudong Airport is located on the
South coast. The airport accommodates aircraft movement over 400 times per day,
on average, and accounts for approximately 60% of total aircraft movement in
Shanghai. It serves about 50 domestic and foreign airlines, and connects with
over 70 international/regional destinations.
- There are 4 main railway stations in Shanghai, with 11
bullet trains alone operating from Hongqiao Railway Station. There are also 11
subway lines in Shanghai, at present. Shanghai is also home to the largest bus
system in the world with 1,424 bus lines.
- Several elevated expressways are in the city centre, in an
attempt to lessen traffic pressure on surface streets, but the traffic in and around
Shanghai is often heavy and traffic jams are commonplace during rush hour.
Bicycles and motorcycles are also banned from most major roads, including elevated expressways, to avoid traffic congestion.
Industry
There are many booming industries in the city which leads to a better living standard of the residents. Various industries include catering, entertainment, tourism, hotels, real estate, education, health, culture, physical training, TV and broadcast, consultation and information services, technology, public utilities and social welfare.
There are many booming industries in the city which leads to a better living standard of the residents. Various industries include catering, entertainment, tourism, hotels, real estate, education, health, culture, physical training, TV and broadcast, consultation and information services, technology, public utilities and social welfare.
Energy
Shanghai is a premier city in energy consumption, with an increase of 250% over the past 15 years. This is because of the rapid growth that the city has realised recently.
Shanghai is a premier city in energy consumption, with an increase of 250% over the past 15 years. This is because of the rapid growth that the city has realised recently.
- The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that China will be responsible for 36% of expected global rise in energy demand They also believe that Shanghai will be increasing its consumption by 75% between 2008 and 2035.
- In 2035, China is estimated to account for 22% of the world's consumption, compared to the 17% it has contributed to today.
- In 2009, two-thirds of China's energy was generated by coal. This has led to the growing of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions in the country.
- With the production electric power, oil product and gas in China, Shanghai does create most of the energy that it consumes.
Renewable and Non-renewable Sources
Renewable sources in Shanghai and China include hydroelectric and wind energy. In 2014, China became the leader in the world of production and use of wind power, solar photovolatic power and smart grid technologies. The country even generates more hydro, wind and solar energy than many countries in Europe.
Since Shanghai has no conventional energy reserves for non-renewable resources such as coal and petroleum, the city has had to rely upon other parts of the world to import it to them.
Renewable sources in Shanghai and China include hydroelectric and wind energy. In 2014, China became the leader in the world of production and use of wind power, solar photovolatic power and smart grid technologies. The country even generates more hydro, wind and solar energy than many countries in Europe.
Since Shanghai has no conventional energy reserves for non-renewable resources such as coal and petroleum, the city has had to rely upon other parts of the world to import it to them.