For the last thousand years, the drama of China's imperial history was played out here, with the emperor sitting enthroned at the centre of the Chinese universe. Today's city is a very different one, but it remains spiritually and politically the heart of the country. Between the swathes of concrete and glass, you'll find some of the finest temples and the grandest remnants of the Imperial age. First impressions are of an almost inhuman vastness, but Beijing is a city that almost everyone ultimately enjoys, though it requires patience and planning to do it justice. The northern part of Shanghai is separated from the rest of the city by the Wusong Jiang river.
Shanghai is a special city in every respect.
Only 50 years ago, it was still considered one of the most important metropolises of the world, as the trading and banking center of Asia. Foreigners lent Shanghai its appearance, making it more western than Chinese. Learn more about Shanghai Xi'an Guangzhou Xi'an , the historical city, was called Chang'an in ancient times, and is now the capital of Shaanxi province. Xi'an is situated in the centre of Weihe Plain with towering and verdant Mt. Xi'an has a long history.