This renowned Chinese metropolis draws millions of travelers each year. The `must visit` places and `things to do` in Shanghai include:

Nan Jing Road:A haven for shopaholics, this most famous street in the city is home to some of the best shopping malls on the Pu Xi side. Hundreds of boutiques on the street offer almost all international brands to the shoppers. The best malls on the street include Westgate Mall, Citic Plaza and Plaza 66.

Huang Pu River & The Bund:Located on Zhong Shan, the Bund is one of the most beautiful sights in Shanghai. Offering the most scintillating views of Pu Dong, the Huang Pu River & The Bund looks even more beautiful at night when it gets aglow with lights.

Oriental Pearl Tv:Third tallest tower in the world and the tallest one in Asia, the Oriental Pearl TV is located on the Pu Dong side of Shanghai. Get to the top room to get the best view of the city and the Bund. With all the lights turned on at the Bund, the sight becomes absolutely magnificent at night.

Jin Mao Tower:Jin Mao Tower is a neighboring tower of Oriental Pearl TV. With 88 stories, this tower is just a few meters shorter than its neighbor. Mainly used for business purposes, the Jun Mao Tower has an observation room at the top floor which offers you a mesmerizing view of the Shanghai city. The 87th floor is home to a restaurant and Regency Grand Hyatt hotel, which is the highest hotel in the world.

One of the most cosmopolitan cities in China, Shanghai is home to a large number of leisure and business hotels. The selection of hotels gets wider in certain areas in the city:

The Bund:Rated to be one of the most renowned hotels in the world, the historic Peace Hotel provides travelers with a glimpse of China`s colonial past. Shanghai`s past can be revisited at a lower price at the affordable Pu Jiang Hotel. Travelers on a budget looking for economical dorm-room bedrooms can opt for the Astor House Hotel which is a favorite amongst the backpackers. Other hotels worth a mention in the Bund include the Manhattan Bund Hotel, Metropole and Ocean Hotel.

Nan Jing Road:Nan Jing Road at Shanghai city center offers a great assortment of accommodation options in all ranges. The Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel at Shanghai Center offers the best in luxury. Shanghai JC Mandarin Hotel the Sofitel Hyland Hotel are the other great options that are located close by on the Nan Jing Road. Other top notch accommodation options in the area include the Le Royal Meridien and the Salvo.

Hong Qiao District:The famous Hong Qiao District houses the Intex Shanghai, ShanghaiMart, Hong Qiao International Airport and Shanghai International Trade Center. This district is a favorite amongst the business travelers and includes some highly rated hotels with great business facilities, such as the Westin Tai Pin Yang Hotel, Hotel Nikko Longbai Shanghai, Renaissance Yangtze Shanghai, Galaxy Hotel and Shanghai Worldfield Convention Hotel.

A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry is required by all nationals intending to visit Beijing.

Travelers of almost all nationalities, including USA, UK, New Zealand and Australia require a visa to travel to China. Macau and Hong Kong issue their own visas.

Spring or autumn is the best time to visit Shanghai. Weather wise, the cool autumn and warm spring time are the most comfortable time of the year to visit Shanghai. From late August till September, typhoons can bring in heavy rains. It is best for the travelers to avoid this period.

Shanghai has a pre-dominantly subtropical climate with all the four distinct seasons. The temperature can get well below the freezing point in winters with occasional snowfall. Summer months are hot and humid. The city gets maximum rainfall during June and July. Late August till early September is the time when Shanghai is frequented by rainstorms and typhoons.

Currency:The currency used in Shanghai is the Renminbi (RMB or CNY). Traveler`s checks and cash can be both exchanged at the banks and most hotels.

Language:The spoken language in Shanghai is Shanghainese. It is spoken by close to 15 million people in the city. Young people are also likely to know and speak a bit of English, but it isn`t too common.