Shanghai has always been an exemplary city of the People’s Republic of China. This cosmopolitan as well as a metropolitan city comfortably situated on the extensive banks of river Yangtze, is now fast on its journey to join the global band of world’s most happening cities. It is aptly assuring the world of being a city that has immense potential in contributing to the global economy. Shanghai is the largest city of China and the eight largest in the world. The city is a gentle blend of the traditional oriental culture gelling well with the modern western flair as can been in its architecture and modern way of thought and living. River Huangpu flowing amid the city has split the city. Puxi is the old city on the western side while the Pudong on the east is the ravishing new.

Shanghai as the most populous and most developed city of China has always been the bastion of intellectual, cultural, financial, commercial and industrial eminence. From its humble origins as a seaside fishing hamlet before twelfth century, Shanghai is currently the hub of software, electronics, communications and citadel of modern China’s economy and finance. Shanghai has the distinction of being the largest commercial hub of the Far East and third in the world only after New York and London. It is equipped with the world’s largest and busiest ports besides other high-speed means of transportation and communication. Shanghai has rightly been referred as the ‘Queen of the Orient’ and ‘Paris of the East’ attracting both the tourist as well as business communities from worldwide horizons galore. Like other global biggies Shanghai does face the challenges linked with mass immigration of the workforce flocking in here from other towns and cities. Most of the tribulations are in terms of housing problems, huge wealth gap, environmental degradation, stressful living and other of the like associated inevitably with life in big cities. But then these challenges are fast resolved by higher resolution by its inhabitants to come up to the elevated world standards and gear up to competition with greater zest. The struggle to keep alive in maddening hustle-bustle of big cities becomes a way of life for its populace. It is only under such circumstances that humans get the platform to show their best.

Shanghai has always been, and still is, THE city in China for entertainment. The city not only has great restaurants and bars but also (outside of Hong Kong), the biggest selection of theatre, film and art available anywhere in China. And this selection is of a class and quality which is sophisticated enough to compete with most western cities.

On the theatre and the stage, there are regular acrobatics displays, a MUST for travelers to the city. Even the most doubtful spectator, will not fail to be enthralled and amused by the incredible flexibility and strength of these performers. The Acrobats performance in the Shanghai Center (Nanjingxi Road) and the old Lyceum Theatre (Maoming Road).

It is always worth checking out the magnificent Grand Theatre to see what is on too. The Theatre regularly hosts Chinese and Western operas, classical music performances and various plays. There are also regular Western films on at some of the city’s entertainment centers.

Shanghai attracts most of the big name Chinese musicians and also pulls in western and Japanese performers and DJs on a regular basis. Currently, the best bars are around Maoming Road and nearby. Park 97 is a stylish bar in the heart of the French Concession and O’Malleys is a friendly Irish joint right in the heart of things. Browse our Bar and Club Index for the latest places to hang out! Check out the Shanghai Stadium to see who’s in town, or the listing’s in the city magazine That’s Shanghai.

The City’s contemporary art scene is impressive too. Shanghai, long the center of more radical ideas is now one of the most important city’s in China for young and new artists from throughout the country to display their work. Shanghai has a long list of art galleries including ShangArt in Fuxing Park and EastLink on Fuxing Road. Aside from these, there are also some good exhibitions in the Shanghai Museum in People’s Square.

Naturally there are all the usual Chinese favorites too. Bowling alleys, Karaoke halls and Computer Games rooms are scattered throughout the city. Another favorite Shanghai past time is Tai Chi, which is also great to watch especially after a night on the town taking in the city life! Why not take a wander along the Bund at dawn, for a taste of a different kind of entertainment!

There are three types of nightlifes in Shanghai:
* western
* modern
* traditional
- Western night style starts with bars and parties and full of expats.
- Traditional style is for traditional older Shanghai people, who almost barely have any nightlife. Most them don’t go out. A short distance walk on the street will be good enough for the old and the poor.
- Modern Night Life is the style most local young people choose. Here are a list of activities
+ Over Time Working
Well. If you ask anyone who are 25-30 in age, good income, good education about what do they do at night, most of them will say “Working” or Jia Ban (overtime working). It is true.
+ Restaurant
Restaurant is the No. 1 choice if night life starts at around 6:00 PM. Eating is everyone’s favorite. There are many good restaurants in Shanghai with varied food style.
+ Cinema
There are some very nice cinemas in Shanghai
* Kodak Super Cinema, Metro City, Xujiahui
* Shanghai Film and Art Center, Xinhua Rd
* UME Cinema, in Xin Tian Di
+ Karaoke
It is not easy to find a country where its people like Karaoke better than China. Whenever gathering  and asking where to go, the most possible choice that everyone agrees is Karaoke. Maybe singing is just part of the attraction – it offers a big comfortable room where friends can gather and enjoy snacks, drinks and ice creams.
+ Tea House
Tea house was traditional Chinese social place before it almost distinct in the last decade. However, it becomes more and more popular again. Inviting some friends and spend the whole night at tea house is very relaxing. Once we talked at a tea house till 2:00 AM in the morning. These tea houses open all night.
+ Drama
Drama is also a good place to go. The only place which serves good drama frequently is the Drama Center at Anfu Rd.
+ Shopping
For girls, shopping are the top choice. Major shopping centers are:
* Xujiahui
* Huai Hai Rd.
* Nanjing Rd. (well, no. Nanjing Rd. attracts visitors better than Shanghai residents. Local people won’t go to Nanjing Rd. as night life)
+ Gyms
Many people will go gym after work. Gyms are built near office buildings. For example, Physical opens in Metro City and Alexander opens in Xintiandi.