As the most Westernized city in China after Hong Kong, Shanghai is on the cutting edge of China's race for modernization. Almost a quarter of the world's construction cranes stand in this city of 15 million. On the other hand, architectural remnants of a strong colonial past survive along the charming, bustling streets that make this city undeniably and intimately Chinese. It isn't an ancient Chinese city with loads of historic temples and ruins to visit. It's a young new city more akin to Hong Kong than Beijing.
Weather Shanghai winters can be very cold and temperatures often drop well below zero. In contrast, the summers tend to be hot and humid. The best time to visit Shanghai is autumn (fall) or spring. During July and September, strong storms with torrential rain become frequent. However, it seldom snows in Shanghai. Shanghai summers are hot and humid. July and August are Shanghai's hottest months with average highs of 27.4 degrees centigrade. In winter, January is the coldest month, with a temperature average of 3 degrees centigrade. All in all, it is best to go prepared with light clothing in summer and warm, heavy clothing in winter. Also, always prepare for rain by keeping an umbrella, but most hotels can equip you with one if needed!

Currency Exchanging foreign currencies is convenient in Beijing. There are 17 currencies that can be exchanged, including the EU euro, UK pound, US dollar, Swiss francs, Singapore dollar, Swedish kronor, Danish kronor, Norwegian kronor, Japanese yen, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, the Philippines peso, Thai bath, South Korean won, Hong Kong dollar, Taiwan new dollar and the Macao pataca.
Traveler's Checks and Credit Cards Traveler's checks are easily cashed at the Bank of China in Beijing. Major credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa, JCB, Diners Club, and American Express may also be used to pay hotel bills, at major shopping centers and for meals in some restaurants.(Keep some cash on hand just when dining or traveling.)
Kunming(昆 明), capital of Yunnan(云南) province . is located in the far south-western corner of China, known as the spring city because of its year round mild climate. Nevertheless during the cold season it might get chilly at times. The city has a history of more than 2400 years, owes its importance to the fact that it was the gateway to the celebrated Silk Road that facilitated trade with Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar and India. Kunming is also increasingly becoming a travel hub as the closest major city in China to both India and Thailand in addition to the growing popularity of nearby Dali and Lijiang in Yunnan Province. Many people from Bangladesh also travel to Kunming every year and appreciate the natural beauty of the place.
Changchun (长春; literally "Long Spring") is the capital and largest city of Jilin province (吉林), located in the northeast of the People's Republic of China bordering Russia and North Korea in the east and southeast respectively. Changchun consists of counties and 3 county-level cities (Jiutai City, Yushu City and Denghui City). It is the largest automobile manufacturing base in China, with also the biggest automobile research and development center. Its leading industries are mainly in foodstuffs, photo-electronic information, biology and medicine, and automotive.
Guangzhou, the provincial capital of Guangdong, is one of the largest and most prosperous city in southern China. The city is also China's main industrial centers, covering an area of 7,434 square kilometers, and with a population of over 6 million. Guangzhou is one of the 24 cities which are the first to have been announced as famous cities of historic and cultural interest in China. The history of 2,200 years has left behind many places of historic interest and scenic beauty. They are vivid witness of past brilliance of Guangzhou.
Guangzhou's industry covers machinery, shipbuilding, textiles, sugar-refinery, household electrical appliances, computers, petrochemicals, light industrial products for daily use, rubber products and garments. The Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone situated in Huangpu has already taken shape. Guangzhou has advanced agriculture, abounding in rice, sugarcanes, fruits, freshwater fish and oil crops.
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