Facing both opportunities and challenges of the new century, Shanghai has mapped out a new middle and long term strategic program for social and economic development: To build the city into an economic, financial, trade and shipping center in the world and initially establish the city's status as an international metropolis featuring socialist modernization.

  Shanghai as one of the largest centers of economy in China has witnessed the development of the modern history of China . It is now on its way to become an international metropolis. Only having a good knowledge of these important features and backgrounds of the city, tourists can take a journey to Shanghai with an object in their mind. Shanghai has made an effort to develop the city tourism mainly featuring "city scenery", "city culture", and "city commerce". The municipal government has gradually mapped out three tourism itineraries. The itinerary for city tours, business, and shopping is organized around the People's Square and both sides of the Huang Pu River. The itinerary for cultural tours around the city is organized in the public entertainment places and communities. The itinerary for recreation and holiday in the outer suburbs is organized around Mount She , Dian Shan Lake , the deepwater port and the Chong Ming Island .

  The architecture of Shanghai has its own characters. The Bund, the Stone-gate buildings, the different kinds of Shanghai style constructions, the modern installations which make an assemblage
of different styles of architecture, ancientand modern, Chinese and foreign are worth visiting.

  Colorful leisure and recreational activities are symbols of a modern international metropolis, as well as a reflection of its great charm. Regarded as an international metropolis, the city of Shanghai has developed various types of leisure and recreation activities, best representing the principle of “the sea accepting hundreds of flowing rivers". Wine and pottery bars, cloth-toy boutiques, Internet clubs and Chocolate bars--all emphasizing individuality; tea shops, cafes, musical theme restaurants--all for seeking elegance and relaxation; museums and private collection houses realizing an educational function through colorful displays; health and sports centers attracting mostly young people, as well as community parks suitable for people of all ages and walks of life. All these sites and facilities are calling the citizens to release themselves for a moment from their hectic schedules and join in the relaxed and pleasant environment.

  Ten city streets with special features are attracting domestic visitors and overseas tourists to join in a romantic memory of the city 's past. Among them are Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Duo Lun Road Cultural Ethic Street, Wu Jiang Road Gourmet & Leisure Street, Hua Shan Road Euro-American Romance Street and others.