Shanghai
Shanghai, officially known as the Shanghai Municipality, is one of the four direct-administered municipalities of the People's Republic of China (PRC). It is a global financial hub and a major center for commerce, finance, and transportation, often referred to as the "showpiece" of China's booming economy.
History
- Early History: Shanghai's history dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), when it was a small fishing village known as Shen or Hudu. It gained importance during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) due to its strategic location at the mouth of the Yangtze River.
- Colonial Era: Shanghai transformed into an international city in the 19th century due to the Treaty of Nanking (1842) after the First Opium War, which opened it to foreign trade. This led to the establishment of the Shanghai International Settlement and the French Concession in Shanghai, where extraterritoriality allowed foreign powers to set up their own legal systems.
- 20th Century: Shanghai flourished as a cosmopolitan city with a blend of Chinese and Western culture until the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937, which led to its occupation by Japanese forces. After World War II, it was briefly controlled by the Kuomintang before being taken over by the Communist Party of China in 1949.
- Post-1990s: Since the economic reforms of the late 20th century, Shanghai has seen unprecedented growth, becoming a symbol of China's economic reform and opening up to the world.
Geography
Shanghai lies on the Yangtze River Delta, making it one of the world's largest and most populous cities. It is bordered by Jiangsu Province to the north and west, and Zhejiang Province to the southwest. The city's landscape is flat with an average elevation of 4 meters above sea level.
Economy
Shanghai is the economic powerhouse of China, boasting:
- The Shanghai Stock Exchange, one of the largest in the world.
- Advanced manufacturing sectors including automotive, electronics, and shipbuilding.
- A thriving service sector with finance, insurance, real estate, and retail.
- Significant foreign investment and numerous multinational corporations headquartered in the city.
Culture
Shanghai's culture is a unique blend of traditional Chinese and international influences:
- Architecture: From the Bund, showcasing historical Western buildings, to modern skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China.
- Food: Known for its Shanghai cuisine, which features sweet and savory flavors, and the famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
- Arts: Hosts numerous cultural events, theaters, and art galleries, including the Shanghai Grand Theater.
Transportation
Shanghai has an extensive transportation network:
Sources
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