Shanghai is destined to be a highly influential city in global commerce, finance, culture and tourism in the near future. It is China's most populous city, even without including the thousands of tourists visiting this summer. If you have a chance to travel to this global city, here are a few things you do not want to miss:

Expo

This summer is a great time to visit Shanghai because the city is hosting Expo 2010 until Oct. 31. With more than 190 countries participating with self-designed and self-run pavilions, this is the largest and most expensive World Expo ever. An all-day ticket to the Expo costs 160 RMB (not including holidays) and is more than worth the money. To avoid the crowds and the heat, arrive late in the afternoon and stay until the Expo closes at midnight. Each pavilion is special, but the larger pavilions (consequentially the ones with the longer lines) tend to have the more interesting and interactive exhibits. Don't miss the amazing authentic food and beverages from your favorite countries, such as Belgian beer and Korean cuisine.

Haibo waves at visitors from around the world from a float during a parade at Expo 2010. [Daniel Byrnes/China.org.cn]

People's Square & East Nanjing Road

Although the subway station has 20 exits and is more than confusing for a foreigner, once you find People's Square and Park, there are many things to do. Enjoy the greenery that most of the city is missing and make your way over to the conveniently air-conditioned Shanghai Museum. You can't miss the museum; it is shaped like a ding, a Chinese food vessel, and has a massive fountain near the entrance. Entrance to the museum is free, and the exhibits are laid out efficiently on four stories so that you can easily see every exhibit hall in a couple of hours. These spectacular exhibits include masks, jade artifacts, seals, calligraphy, painting, ceramics and more. Once you have had your fill of Chinese history, walk a short way to East Nanjing Road. This vast pedestrian mall is packed at all hours of the day. Find an intimate Chinese place to eat, or treat your nostalgia to Western food. Shopping here is expensive but "the real deal" if you are looking for jewelry, sportswear or any kind of fashion.

Tibetan masks are one of many interesting artifacts on display at the Shanghai Museum. [Daniel Byrnes/China.org.cn]