Shanghai, a municipality directly under the Central Government, is China's largest city. Halfway down China's mainland coastline where the Yangtze River empties into the sea, Shanghai's location helps make it an important comprehensive industrial base and harbor.

Shanghai plays an essential role in the national economy. Major industries include metallurgy, machine-building, shipbuilding, chemicals, electronics, meters, textiles and other light industries, in addition to its highly developed commerce, banking and ocean shipping industry.

The Pudong New Zone, separated from the old city by the Huangpu River, is now undergoing vigorous development and construction intended within several decades to make it on par with the world's best as a modern, multi-functional, export-oriented district. This is expected to lay the foundation for the transformation of Shanghai into an international economic, banking and trade center, and a modern international metropolis.