Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, Shanghai has made continuous efforts to establish itself as an international economic center.

In a robust push to establish itself as a preeminent international trade center, Shanghai implemented a national strategy in 1992, further defined by the State Council in 2001.

Shanghai's journey as a global aviation and shipping hub began with strategic endorsements from the State Council in the 1990s. Over the years, this vision has evolved, culminating in the ambitious plans outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan for the Shanghai International Shipping Center (2021-25). Discover how Shanghai aims to enhance its services, influence, innovation, and competitiveness to establish itself as a world-class international shipping center by 2025.

Shanghai has showcased robust performance in the initial half of 2024, as revealed by official data released on July 19. The city's gross domestic product (GDP) rose to 2234.559 billion yuan ($307.25 billion) during this period, marking a substantial 4.8 percent year-on-year increase.

In recent years, Shanghai has consistently implemented national strategies to strengthen its advanced scientific and technological capabilities. The city has concentrated on cultivating talent, enhancing basic research, accelerating technological breakthroughs, and fostering international collaboration.

During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) and the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), present-day Shanghai was part of the State of Wu and later the State of Yue and others. From the Tang Dynasty (618-907) to 1958, Shanghai was divided into three administrative regions.

Situated at the tip of the glitzy financial area of Lujiazui in Pudong New Area and on the bank of the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl Tower is a central complex incorporating urban sightseeing, fashion, dining, shopping, entertainment, exhibitions, trade fairs, performances and river tours.

As a municipality of the People's Republic of China directly under the central government, Shanghai is abbreviated as Hu (沪), and is also known as Shen (申).

Shanghai had a resident population of 24,758,900 as of the end of 2022, including 14,696,300 registered residents and 10,062,600 migrants.