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Living and working in Shanghai

Shanghai is China's most westernised city, and is one of the world's fastest-growing cities, with a population of over 16 million. However, it's a sprawling city, covering a wide area, so it rarely feels overcrowded - unless, of course, you hit the main shopping streets on a Saturday or Sunday.

With its rapid growth and westernisation, Shanghai offers an exciting mix of western and Chinese cultures. This means there's a range of tasty street foods from all parts of China, as well as a thriving bar and club culture in downtown Shanghai - with some clubs open until 8 or 9 o'clock in the morning. At the same time, the nightlife tends to very relaxed and laid back.

Getting around the city is easy - taxis are inexpensive and the clean, modern subway system is equally easy to navigate.

Sports, travel and entertainment opportunities are growing. Shanghai's basketball team produced NBA sensation Yao Ming and the Grand Theatre shows western musicals. As well as a number of Chinese theatres (some with English subtitles on a screen), traditional and contemporary Chinese dance troupes are regular visitors to Shanghai's theatres.