Welcome to Shanghai

Shanghai, a municipality directly under the central government of China, is a modern international metropolis with a spirit of inclusiveness, pursuit of excellence, broad-mindedness, and humility. Located at the estuary of the Yangtze River in East China and facing the Pacific Ocean, Shanghai forms part of the Yangtze River Delta, one of China's most robust, open and innovative regions.

Administrative districts

Shanghai has 16 administrative regions.

Shanghai in numbers

Latest data on Shanghai's economic and social development.

Population

Shanghai had a resident population of 24,802,600 as of the end of 2024, including 14,967,700 registered residents and 9,834,900 migrants.

Geography

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 dialects

The Shanghai dialect varies within five dialect areas in terms of their ancient tones – Chongming, Liantang, Songjiang, Jiabao (Jiading and Baoshan), and the downtown area.

A brief historical outline

According to statistics of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Civil Affairs in August 2024, Shanghai is comprised of 16 districts.

Municipal flower and emblem

The white magnolia was approved as the flower of Shanghai by the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress in 1986.

Friendship cities of Shanghai

As of January 2025, Shanghai and its districts have signed friendship city agreements with 95 cities or regions in 59 countries.

Consulates in Shanghai

A total of 77 countries have consulates in Shanghai. Here is a comprehensive list of all the consulates.