Shanghai is China's definitive metropolis, with a population of more than 13,000,000 people, 7,000,000 of which live in the heart of the city. Shanghai's ever-growing towers and department stores are results of the booming economy and international tourism. Combined with its modern buildings and ancient sites, Shanghai is one China's most fascinating cities.
Diverse and Evolutionary
Situated on China's east coast, Shanghai is the country's biggest and busiest port and is arguably the country’s most important industrial and commercial center. Its people are known for their business insight, quick wit and sophistication; and the city is China's most fashionable and international, boasting the best shopping and nightlife. In the 1990’s, Shanghai emerged as the center of China's economic resurgence. A gathering of cultures, this was once a place where rich taipans walked the same streets as gamblers, prostitutes and beggars. It is where Europeans fleeing the Holocaust lived alongside Chinese intellectuals and revolutionaries.
Political History
The Communist Party was born here but its strict tenets could not stifle the city's unflagging internationalism which was determined at its creation. Resting on the Yangzi River delta, it marks the point where Asia's longest and most important river completes its 3,400 mile (5,500 km) journey to the Pacific. Until 1842, Shanghai's location made it merely a small fishing village. After the first Opium War though, the British named Shanghai a treaty port, forcing the city's opening to foreign involvement.
The village was soon turned into a city carved up into autonomous concessions administered by the British, French, and Americans, all independent of Chinese law. Each colonial presence brought with it a particular culture, architecture and society. Although Shanghai has its own walled Chinese city, many native residents still chose to live in the foreign settlements. Thus began a mixing of cultures that shaped Shanghai's openness to Western influence. Shanghai became an important industrial center and trading port that attracted not only foreign businesspeople (60,000 by the 1930s) but also Chinese migrants from other parts of the country.
Shanghai History
In its heyday, Shanghai was the place to be. This city had the best art, the greatest architecture, and the strongest business in Asia. “The Paris of the East” eventually became known as a place of vice and indulgence. Amid this glamour and degradation, the Communist Party held its first meeting in 1921. The 1930’s and 1940’s saw invasion and war. The city weathered Japanese raids and then the victory of the Communists in 1949 over the Nationalists, after which foreigners left the country.
Shanghai Today
Today Shanghai is one of China's most open cities ideologically, socially, culturally and economically, striving to return to the internationalism that defined it before the Revolution. Shanghai's path to this renewed prominence began in 1990 when China's leader, Deng Xiaoping, chose it as the engine of the country's commercial renaissance, aiming to rival Hong Kong by 2010. “If China is a dragon,” he said, “Shanghai is its head.” That head appears to be growing with each passing day. The east side of the river is home to Shanghai's stock market building, the tallest hotel in the world and the city's international airport.
In recent years Puxi (the west side of the river) has also gone through staggering change as old houses are making way for shiny high-rises. In 1987 there were about 150 high-rise buildings in the city; now there are more than 1,500. In Shanghai it's all about image, so it is not surprising that the people of Shanghai enjoy one of the highest living standards in China. Higher salaries and higher buildings, more business and more entertainment all define the fast-paced lives of China's most cosmopolitan and open people.
Shanghai is an exciting city that has transformed itself from a dark and destructive past into a thriving city of new beginnings and opportunity. The city was in a state of stagnation when economic development converted the city of Shanghai into something that the locals would never have imagined. Among the green mountains and hills you will find skyscrapers, streets overflowing with unique and wonderful shops and you will know that Shanghai has indeed entered the 21st Century.
After the War
All through World War II, Shanghai was considered a prestigious city, holding an honorable position of growth, development and new beginnings. However, in the 40 years following the war, that reputation was temporarily challenged. The people of Shanghai have recaptured the reputation of being East Asia's leading business city due their striving to never again allow stagnation to rule. Even with its new foothold of technology and innovation, Shanghai never lets go of its intoxicating beauty and strong history. With all the incredible strides made within the city of Shanghai, there remains a reputation for its shocking position within mainland China of European imperialism. Much of this includes unlawful sexual activity, racism, Mafia connections and social segregation. The greater part of this destruction took place during the 50 year period during which communism ran rampant which ended in the early 1990's.
Sadly, it was China's central government of Beijing that intentionally sent much of Shanghai's surplus to other areas of China, leaving the city to parallel a living museum, as though mysteriously frozen in time. The result is that Shanghai is now the home to the largest and most impressive collection Art Deco architecture found anywhere in the world. While some negativite traits are true, and still an obstacle that the people of Shanghai must resolve, it was also the central government of China that took on a determination to shake off the bad reputation by rebuilding the old city into a city of modernization. The result was a powerful economic explosion that has yet to slow down. New currency and a greater deal of skilled manpower were created. The two combined to bring a new level of sophistication and business sense to the city.
Shanghai Growing
As with any evolving city, the old ways of Shanghai will not be completely destroyed overnight. It is a work in progress that requires dedication and determination to undo many years of destruction. As you visit Shanghai, you will find that some areas within the city still have a strong resemblance to the 1920’s where ghetto housing and overhead cables were the norm.
Although the changes in Shanghai have been occurring for many years, it has only been within recent years that there has been building on a grand scale. You will discover that many sections of this city still reflect the earlier European flavor that was inspired by the Soviet government. Most people who visit Shanghai can clearly see the borders between old and new. For instance, , while new buildings with 21st Century architecture stand in the heart of the city (with many more under construction), you will also find old, winding alleyways that are darkened by the oppressive shadow of the earlier era.
Although you will enjoy many wonderful places in Shanghai, remember that economic development is on the rise and attractions can be somewhat difficult to find. With the museums, massive shopping streets, uprising of nightclubs and fabulous restaurants, you will enjoy a visit to this city. The one aspect of Shanghai that you will notice is the level of energy of the people. The areas within Shanghai where you get a sense of the old life can be found around the Bund and along the Huangpu waterfront. For example, while the Bund offers locals and visitors a peek into the complete restoration that is underway, you will also see the ironic twist as monuments and relics of foreign imperialism that were so widely loathed, now sit under an umbrella of protection by the Shanghai government.
People and Places of Shanghai
Spread over 2,473 square miles, Shanghai today is home to over 16 million people. Although the primary population is comprised of Han Chinese people, many ethnic backgrounds blend to form this eclectic city. Shanghai is located in the central-eastern portion of China. Central Shanghai is split into two specific areas, Pudong, which is east of the Huangpu River, and Puxi, which is on the west side.
Although visitors to this part of China discover numerous places for touring, the main tourist area is in Puxi, which includes the Bund which is considered the hub of tourism. Some of the areas that are most frequently visited include the former location for the International Settlement (now a main shopping locale along Nanjing Lu) west of the Bund. Chinese City is south of the Bund and is intriguing with its many narrow, winding streets. North and south of Huaihai Lu, you will find the premier shopping area that is neatly tucked away among the back streets.
Other areas of interest include the former French Concession that is a favorite area of both residents and tourists. Beautifully detailed with 1930's architecture, this area of Shanghai is quaint and welcoming with tree-lined streets, charming cafes and bars, and many sections that have been updated and rebuilt. While in Shanghai, shopping is a must and the impressive shopping section in Xujiahui is the place to go. The Shanghai Stadium and Pudong, which is a zoned section consisting of massive skyscrapers, new housing complexes and banks are tourist focal points.
If you plan to travel to Shanghai during the winter months, be sure to dress warmly as temperatures often dip below freezing. On the other hand, the summers are humid and quite hot. While there is no bad time to visit Shanghai, the optimal time is during the fall or spring months when the weather is most comfortable. The seasons in Shanghai run parallel to those in North America and Europe. Without a doubt, Shanghai is an exciting place to visit where you can marvel at its fascinating history while celebrating awe-inspiring advancements.
