Shanghai – 上海

Shanghai is the bustling, international, commercial hub of China located on the Southern China Sea in eastern China.

•        The name “Shanghai” roughly translates to “above the sea,” a fitting name for the city that is located along the Yangtze river and on the Southern China Sea.
•        Shanghai’s massive population nears 25 million people! (Sri Lanka has only 22 million).
•        Following the economic reforms of the early 1990s the city has burgeoned to become one of Asia’s major financial centers.
•        Due to the influence of multinational corporations, Shanghai has a foreign population of 255,000.
•        Shanghai’s notable skyline includes the “Shanghai Tower,’ a 128-story mega tall skyscraper that is the second tallest building in the world and holds the world records for highest observation deck and fastest elevator.

•        Shanghai has an active Rotaract presence with 4 different Rotaract clubs: NYU Shanghai Rotaract, social-entrepreneurship-focused Fresh Start Rotaract, Chinese language Rotaract West, and English language Rotaract Club of Shanghai.

Want to learn more? Check this video out!

 Yao Ming – 姚明

Yao Ming is arguably the finest Asian Basketball player ever. During his 9 years at the NBA with the Houston Rockets Ming was selected 8 times to star in the NBA All-stars game.

In April 2016, Yao was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson.

Some of his most notable achievements include,

• NBA Hall of Fame: Class of 2016
• 8× NBA All-Star: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011
• 5× All-NBA Team:
• Second Team: 2007, 2009
• Third Team: 2004, 2006, 2008
• NBA All-Rookie First Team: 2003
• NBA Rookie All-Star Game: 2004
• Gold medal winner with Team China at the 2001, 2003, 2005 FIBA Asian Championship
• MVP of the 2001, 2003, 2005 FIBA Asian Championship
• All-Tournament Team, FIBA World Championship: 2002
• Chinese Basketball Association Champion: 2001–02
• Rebounding leader in CBA in 2001–02
• 2003 Sporting News Rookie of the Year
• 2003 Laureus Newcomer of the Year

Yuyuan Gardens – 豫园

The Yuyuan Gardens are extensive traditional Chinese gardens first built in 1559. It was first built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty by Pan Yunduan as a comfort for his father, the minister Pan En, in his old age.

In the 400 years of existence, Yuyuan Garden had undergone many changes. During the late Ming Dynasty, it became very dilapidated with the decline of Pan’s family. In 1760, some rich merchants bought it and spent more than 20 years reconstructing the buildings. During the Opium War of the 19th century, it was severely damaged. The garden you see today is the result of a five year restoration project which began in 1956. It was open to the public in September, 1961.

 Xiaolongbao – 小笼包

Xiaolongbao is a classic Shanghaiese dumpling.  Xiaolongbao, sometimes known as soup dumplings, are small dumplings with a thin skin and a juicy pork filling.

It is traditionally prepared in xiaolong, small bamboo steaming baskets,which give them their name.

Rotaract Club of Shanghai