As a global city, Shanghai has approximately 23 million residents. Literally named above the sea, this city is an important apex of China. Historically, it started off as a fishing and textile town. She begins to gain the reputation of being a financial center after opening up to Western powers circa 1842. Today, Shanghai remains one of the most fascinating city in China as she holds myriad characters and facets.

The Bund is a must-go for any traveller in Shanghai. Known as the museums of buildings, this street houses historical buildings which once symbolized the powerhouse of Europe. Situated along the Huangpu river, one is able to see the HSBC building, a neo-classical building which is perceived to be the highlight of the Bund. One can also see the Pudong skyline from across the Huang Pu River. With the impressive buildings lining side by side, the skyline of this city at night is impressive and has been intensively photographed.

As one walks further down, you will come into Huang Pu and the Old City. Despite being a mega city, Shanghai is still best explored on foot; while ambling into the Old City, do stop by Yuyuan Garden, a traditional Chinese-Ming styled garden. Its famous tea house and zigzag bridge can be visited. It is here where one is able to take a breath of fresh air. In Huang Pu area, one can either choose to take a river cruise or start a stroll from People's Square. Passing by Nanjing Road Pedestrian street where stationery shops and bookshops are located, be prepared to come face to face with one of the largest bookstore in Shanghai.

There is a lot of activities going on the street level there it is advisable to take one's time to observe the way the locals carry out their daily routine. It is surprising to note how similar this city is to many other mega cities in the world.

Places To Go in China

While planning a trip to China, one can take into account these three beautiful places that will take anyone's breath away.

Jiuzhaigou Valley

Situated on the north of Sichuan over the edge of the Tibetan plateau, this place is known for its multi-level waterfalls, colorful lakes, and snowcapped peaks. As the film location for many movies and Chinese dramas, this valley has become a popular tourist destination over the years. After taking look at the pictures, one would understand the appeal of such scenic lakes that have gathered numerous local legends.

Xinjiang

Setting out from Kashgar, the westernmost city in China, one would have to traverse one of the world's most dangerous road, Karakoram Highway to get to the glacier sea lake which is surrounded by mountains. Four hours of being on the treacherous road has not stopped globetrotters from visiting Lake Karakul.

While in Xinjiang, do take a detour to the Nalati Grassland – a meadow so distinctive that the name Nalati(place where the sun emerges in Mongolian)was given by Genghis Khan when he laid eyes on it.

Guilin Located in northeast of Guangxi, this prefecture-level city has much to offer. With its tourist spots such as Longsheng Rice Terrace, Yangshou, Li River and numerous ancient towns, Guilin is among one of the top destination spots in China. With its extraordinary Karst mountains, travelers would definitely get their breath taken away when faced with the scenic topography that has inspired poets and artists over the centuries as well.

Huangshan is located in the Anhui province, eastern China's most rural province. A well-known name, Huangshan consists of 36 separate peak with some rising above 1,800m. While this province is not the wealthiest, it is definitely compensated with its astounding natural beauty. The peaks of Huangshan are easily hiked and each year, millions of visitors come here for its magnificent sunrise views.

Originally known as Black Mountains, it was renamed Huangshan. Legend has it that an emperor rode off from these peaks to heaven on the back of a dragon. Literally translated to Yellow Mountain, this long mountain range extends across four counties. A tourist spot, there are many hostels and campsites made available for nature lovers to stay a few nights while enjoying the hike up and down Huangshan. The most popular spot to catch sunrise is the Dawn Pavilion. Less crowded spots would be a bit further in at Refreshing Terrace, Lion Peak or Red Cloud Peak.

The hike up is pretty unchallenging. Even novice hikers will not find much difficulty climbing up. If you would like to feel safer, join a guided tour where you will hike up in a group. The peaks will definitely be colder so bring a waterproof jacket that is thick enough to withstand the cold wind. On a good day, you will be able to see the mountain range clearly with clouds floating nearby - a truly mesmerizing site that showoffs the beauty of mother nature. Once you reach the top, there are other things to do and see as well. They include the Fairy Walking Bridge, Turtle Peak, Flying Rock and of course, confronting extreme vertigo while overlooking this historical place.

Has China's Hainan cracked the secret to longevity?

In Hainan, more than 200 of its 560,000 residents are aged a 100 over. This might not sound a lot, but it remains one of the highest ratio in the world. There are at least three centenarians –a term used for people aged over a 110 – in which there are less than 400 worldwide.

Residents in Hainan do not live a life of luxury. They live in shanty houses and survive on few dollars a day, it is mainly a simple life with a simple diet. This is perhaps the secret to their long lives. Farmers are the main profession in Hainan and residents claim that most of them do not exercise regularly as farm work is their ‘exercise' of the day. Researches have been conducted on the demographic in hopes of revealing the secret to longevity. They found that it is a combination of diligent, simple-minded and magnanimous lifestyle as well as a heavy vegetarian diet and eating sensibly. Of course, the classic idiom early to bed, early to rise applies too.

An active social life is key as well; men and women socialize daily in public parks – sipping tea and chit-chatting while listening to opera recordings. The locals claim that their regular consumption of alcohol is a contributory factor to living long. Their local grain spirit named Three Coconut Sprint is a famous choice of alcohol. A daily ritual, many of the older folks sip a shot of the spirit daily to keep warm. Combined with good climate and the soil which is naturally high in selenium, it can be said that Hainan possesses the right combination to an extra-long and fruitful life as it lacks the normative stress and environmental population that seems to be besiege most cities.