Lies in the middle of China's mainland coastline, and Yangtze River's entrance to the sea, covering an area of 6,341 square km. and with a population of more than 13.5 million, Shanghai is the largest city in China and one of the five super cities of the world. Shanghai is also one of ten world's largest seaports, a municipality directly under the Central Government, and is one of the largest commercial cities and economic centres of China. It's a coastal opening city as well as a famous historic and cultural one. Situated 31.4 degrees north latitude and 121.29 degrees east longitude,  

It has an oceanic and monsoon climate in the subtropical zone. With an annual average temperature of 15.5 degrees Centigrade, and rainfall of 1,120 millimetres. Shanghai is neither cold in winter, nor very hot in summer. Its hand is fertile and crisscross with rivers and ports. The coastal area abounds in resources of fish and salt.

Shanghai is endowed with favourable geographical and natural conditions, and a long history of development. It has a Well-developed commodity economy and comparatively high scientific and technological level. As the biggest industrial centre in China, Shanghai ranks first in the value of its industrial production, as compared with other Chinese cities. Its main industry includes metallurgy, chemicals, petroleum, machinery, automobiles, electronics, shipbuilding, light industry, textiles, electrical appliances, and other industries, which hold an important position in Chins. Shanghai is the chief producer of industrial goods, and a major export base in China as well.

The Pudong Development Area in Shanghai is an important special economic zone in China. The level of the new area's industry, commerce, finance, trade, post and telecommunications stands at the forefront in China. More than 130 buildings there are higher than a hundred metres.  

As the most prosperous business center in China, Shanghai leads all the others in both social commodity's total volume of retail sales and export value. In recent years, it has made rapid progress in finance and banking service, and stands only next to Beijing, as one of the main financial centres in China.  

Shanghai is an important hub of communications. It has an easy access to the outside world by all means of transport: ocean, offshore and inland water shipping, high way and railroad transport, air flights etc. As the biggest seaport in China, the port of Shanghai has trade links with ports of over 100 countries and regions.  

Efforts are being made to develop Shanghai into a modern international economic, financial and trade centre.