China Travel > Shanghai

Shanghai - China

Shanghai is located on the banks of the Huangpu River and occupies the southern portion of the Yangzi Delta close to the mouth of the Yangzi on China’s eastern seacoast. The word Shanghai means “above the sea.” It is China’s largest city with a population of more than 19 million.

In the 19th century Britain, wishing to increase its commercial gains, went to war with China. The subsequent Treaty of Nanking allowed the British to engage in free trade from certain ports of which Shanghai was one. The city soon became an exotic outpost of high living and glamor with foreign nationals living in miniature versions of Britain, France and the United States, each with its own police force and judiciary. The one-time residence of Zhou Enlai, a revered figure in the Chinese Communist party, lies in the former French Concession as does a residence of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, known as the “Father of the Republic” and founder of the National Peoples’ Party. In 1949 when the Communists took over China, Shanghai was stripped of its glamour.

In 1990 the Pudong area where Shanghai is located was declared a Special Economic Zone and became one of the world’s largest building sites making it one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Today Shanghai is again at the forefront of business and fashion trends.

The Old City, which lies in the southern city district, is typically Chinese with alleys, markets and temples. Pudong, on the Huangpu’s east bank is an immense business zone. There, Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers astounding views across the city and houses the Shanghai History Museum. The Bund - a raised waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River - was at the heart of colonial Shanghai. The Bund History Museum contains many photographs, which chronicle the architecture and happenings of the Bund in its heyday. Many of the old buildings are still in place and one can easily spend hours walking along enjoying the architecture, shops, restaurants and places of entertainment. The Old Racecourse was the center of Shanghai’s social life in the early 20th century. Its Race Club was one of the most profitable corporations in China. When the Communists took power the Racecpirse was shut down and became a symbol of Western decadence. It was turned into a pretty park which houses the Shanghai Museum. An old grandstand clock located on the park’s west side is all that remains of the racecourse.
The Shanghai Museum displays some of the best cultural relics from China’s Neolithic period to the Qing dynasty representing a span of over 5,000 years. History, scenery, shopping and industry –Shanghai has it all.