Shanghai, the first largest city in China, is one of the four direct-administered municipalities of China Central Government. Shanghai, located at the mouth of the Yangtze River in the middle of China's continental coastline, has China's largest industrial base and foreign trade port, with more than 20 million people living and residing in the area of Shanghai.
In the old days, Shanghai was only a small town depending on fishing and cotton textile handicraft industries. In the 19th century, due to its excellent port location, it began to show its prominence. After the signing of the Nanjing Treaty in 1842, Shanghai became one of China's open ports for foreign trade and quickly developed as a result of becoming the center for exchange of East and West trade. By the 1930s, Shanghai had become a key link for multinational companies to conduct trade and business, and was the most flourishing commercial center in the Asia-Pacific region, being called "Paris of the East". But after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, almost all foreigners left Shanghai, which then declined. In 1990, after reform and opening up, Shanghai began to return to its former prosperity, becoming today the largest economic center in China and the largest trade port in the world.
Shanghai is also an emerging tourist destination. Because of its profound cultural background and numerous historical sites, such as Shanghai landmarks - The Bund and Xintiandi in Puxi. However, in Pudong, just across the river, there presents another picture of prosperity: the Oriental Pearl TV Tower together with Jin Mao Building, Shanghai World Financial Center and other buildings compose one of the grandest skylines in the world, while the Shanghai Center to be completed in 2014 will add a brilliant touch to the "Paris of the East". Today's Shanghai is not only an important science & technology, trade, finance and information center in China, but also a place where cultures from around the world converge. Shanghai has developed into an international metropolis. It is committed to building itself into an international financial center and shipping center. Shanghai will host the China 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
With smart going on sale in China, test-drive activities have successively been carried out in major cities. At the smart Shanghai test drive event, we randomly interviewed several consumers who came to test drive, Mr. Lin told us his feelings after test driving smart. During the design of the smart Shanghai test drive, there were three game segments: moving garage, Y-shaped runway, acceleration and avoidance, so that the Shanghai testers could fully experience the excellent performance of smart.
Mr. Lin said: the gearshift of this small car is very special, with only forward, stop and reverse gears, the operation is simple enough to surprise someone. When contacting such a small car and such a gearshift for the first time, one may suddenly feel at a loss. However, when the car starts and drives off, the convenience it brings would soon make someone fall in love with it. The experience of straight-line acceleration really shocks someone. Step hard on the accelerator, the engine immediately responds positively, the speed-up of smart is very fast. Mr. Lin also told us that he fell in love with Benz smart because this car has broken through the concept of traditional commuting tool. More of a symbol of fashion and individuality. Four-star safety makes everyone feel sufficient security while driving this lively small car.