Open Door Guide to Shanghai

More about the book

Covering Shanghai area-by-area and by topic, this guide invites readers to explore the city's boundless fascinations. Written by long-term residents with enthusiasm for Shanghai's glories and complexities, it is fully illustrated and packed with venue information. Shanghai is a megacity, boasting a population of 24.8 million and a density of over 3,900 per square kilometer, ranking fourth among the world's megacities. These figures highlight its urban intensity, as Shanghai has been one of the most concentrated urban centers since the late 19th century, achieving unparalleled metropolitan population densities. Despite efforts to reduce downtown density through relocation, the legacy of its urban extremity endures. The city proper, with a population of 17,836,133 in its central districts, is 34% larger than its closest competitor, Istanbul. This statistical foundation supports the description of Shanghai as the world's ultimate city, contributing to its walkability and concentrated delights.