Shanghai, a city where tradition meets innovation, offers a captivating blend of historical charm and cutting-edge modernity. From its iconic waterfronts and historic architecture to its bustling economic zones and cultural landmarks, Shanghai presents an intriguing journey through time. Whether you’re drawn to the historical significance of the Bund, the modern splendor of Pudong, or the cultural richness of its local traditions, Shanghai’s diverse attractions promise a memorable experience that showcases its dynamic evolution from a colonial trading port to a global metropolis.
Huangpu River: Shanghai’s Landmark River
The Huangpu River is the iconic river of Shanghai, stretching approximately 113 kilometers, making it the largest river in the city and a vital waterway. It is one of the earliest man-made rivers in history. The lower reaches of the Huangpu River were once known as Huangxiepu and Chunshenjiang. According to historical records, during the Warring States period, the river was dredged and managed by Chunshen Jun Huang Xie and the local people.
Flowing through the heart of Shanghai, the Huangpu River divides the city into Puxi (west of the river) and Pudong (east of the river). The Nanpu Bridge and Yangpu Bridge, which span the Huangpu River, resemble two giant dragons lying across the river. Together with the Oriental Pearl Tower, they form a grand “Two Dragons Play with the Pearl” panoramic scene. The Wu Songkou at the mouth of the Huangpu River is where the Huangpu River, Yangtze River, and East China Sea converge.
During high tide, the Huangpu River’s water appears blue-gray, while the Yangtze River’s water is yellow and the East China Sea’s water is green. The distinct colors create a beautiful “Three Confluence” spectacle where the waters meet clearly defined.
On either side of the Huangpu River stand buildings showcasing a blend of international architectural styles and towering skyscrapers, representing the essence of Shanghai’s urban landscape. The majestic Huangpu River is not only Shanghai’s mother river but also a symbol of its brilliant culture and a witness to its history.
Haipai Culture: Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity
Haipai culture, also known as Shanghai culture, represents a unique cultural phenomenon that emerged from the integration of Jiangnan Wu and Yue culture with the influences of foreign cultures following Shanghai’s opening as a port. This culture combines the classical elegance of Jiangnan with the modern and fashionable aspects of an international metropolis, creating a distinct and cohesive style.
As early as between 1843 and 1898, Shanghai began to exhibit a cultural characteristic of “embracing diversity and inclusivity.” This period marked a significant evolution in Shanghai’s language, cuisine, customs, and other cultural aspects, nurturing the growth of Haipai culture.
Haipai culture has evolved over different periods. In the modern era, it primarily draws from the urban culture of Jiangnan during the Ming and Qing dynasties, blending in elements of Western culture introduced in recent times. At this stage, Haipai culture is characterized by individuality, flexibility, and a strong commercial aspect, influencing various fields such as painting and theater, often in connection with commercial interests.
Haipai culture displays an open attitude towards foreign influences, traditional Chinese elements, elite culture, and popular culture. It is known for its willingness to innovate, ability to discard the obsolete, and break traditional conventions. These qualities form the essence of Haipai culture, embodying the principle of “embracing all rivers and integrating diverse elements.”
Shanghai’s Era Imprints: Symbols of Fashion Through the Ages
Shanghai, a city rich in history and stories, evokes a sense of nostalgia for its bygone eras. As people discuss its rapid development, they often recall the iconic symbols that defined the city’s past. From the Liangyou pictorial to the Shikumen houses, rickshaws, “Night Shanghai,” and monthly calendars, these elements not only set the trend for fashion and culture in China but also hold a cherished place in the hearts of older generations of Shanghainese.
Liangyou Pictorial
The Liangyou pictorial, first published in Shanghai in 1926 by Wu Liande, was a prominent comprehensive pictorial magazine. Its debut marked a significant moment in Shanghai’s media landscape, quickly gaining popularity. The Liangyou pictorial became a treasured memory for many Shanghai residents, boasting a large readership both domestically and internationally. It was celebrated for its high-quality content and vivid depiction of contemporary life and fashion.
Rickshaws
Rickshaws were once a popular mode of transportation in Shanghai. Many wealthy families owned private rickshaws and employed dedicated rickshaw pullers. These vehicles were exceptionally maneuverable, able to navigate every corner of Shanghai’s streets with ease and could be summoned at any time. However, as new forms of transportation emerged, rickshaws gradually faded from the cityscape, leaving behind a historical legacy.
Night Shanghai
In the mid-20th century, Shanghai transformed into a dazzling cityscape as nightfall approached. The neon lights and vibrant nightlife were epitomized by venues like the “Palace” dance hall, which was one of the most glamorous and fashionable spots in Shanghai during the 1930s and 1940s. The era of “Night Shanghai” is remembered for its lively social scene and cultural sophistication, reflecting the city’s role as a cultural hub.
Monthly Calendars
Monthly calendars, known as “yuefenpai” in Chinese, were a form of commercial art that combined calendar functionality with decorative images. Initially featuring folk art, these calendars later focused more on fashion and classical beauty. Early monthly calendars served as advertisements for products, while later versions were appreciated for their artistic value, becoming collectible items that showcased the aesthetic trends of their time.
Shikumen Architecture: A Microcosm of Greater Shanghai Society
Shikumen, a distinctive architectural style unique to Shanghai, stands apart from traditional Chinese courtyard houses. Combining elements of traditional Chinese residential design with Western cultural influences, Shikumen buildings are prevalent in the old lanes of Shanghai.
Emerging in the late 19th century, Shikumen architecture represented a blend of traditional wooden structures and load-bearing brick walls. The name “Shikumen,” meaning “stone gate,” originates from the stone door frames used in these buildings, which set them apart from other residential designs of the time.
Notable Shikumen Areas:
- Xintiandi: A fashion and leisure cultural center, Xintiandi is built on the foundation of old Shikumen neighborhoods. Walking through Xintiandi feels like stepping back into Shanghai of the 1920s and 1930s. This area has been transformed into a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, retaining the historical charm of Shikumen while embracing modernity.
- Tianzifang: This area, also developed from Shikumen buildings, has become a fashionable and artistic hub, often referred to as the “second Xintiandi.” Tianzifang is known for its artistic workshops, boutique shops, and vibrant street life. It serves as a creative space for many artists and is a popular destination for those seeking a blend of historical and contemporary culture.
- Jingan Villa District: This area remains the largest cluster of new-style Shikumen residential buildings in Shanghai. With 183 traditional red-brick Shikumen houses, it accommodates over 900 residents. The Jingan Villa District showcases the historical architecture while providing modern living conditions.
- Bugaoli: Bugaoli is a quintessential old-style Shikumen residential area, once part of the French Concession. It consists of 79 buildings, many of which have housed prominent figures over the years. This area reflects the historical depth of Shanghai and the evolution of its residential architecture.
The Bund and Lujiazui: A Journey Through Classic and Modern Architecture
The Bund and Lujiazui offer a remarkable contrast between historical grandeur and modern innovation, reflecting Shanghai’s transformation over the years.
Located along the Huangpu River, The Bund is a historic area that became a symbol of Shanghai’s cosmopolitan past when it was occupied as a concession by the British in 1844. Stretching from Yan’an East Road in the south to the Waibaidu Bridge in the north, The Bund is renowned for its collection of over 50 diverse classical revival buildings. These century-old structures are the essence of The Bund, standing tall and elegant under the city lights, evoking memories of old Shanghai’s dreamlike past.
Among these historic landmarks is the renowned McKinnon Building, often referred to as “The First Building on The Bund.” The McKinnon Building features a Baroque-style lower and upper section, with a modernist middle section, showcasing a grand yet simplistic majesty. This blend of architectural styles represents the rich history and evolving character of The Bund.
In stark contrast, Lujiazui, located directly across the river from The Bund, epitomizes modernity with its striking skyline of skyscrapers. As the most vibrant part of Shanghai, Lujiazui stands as a symbol of the city’s reform and opening-up era. Here, you’ll find Shanghai’s iconic structures, including the Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Jin Mao Tower. The skyline of Lujiazui offers breathtaking views of the cityscape, where you can appreciate the full extent of Shanghai’s urban development.
While The Bund reflects the elegance and historical depth of old Shanghai, Lujiazui represents the city’s contemporary and forward-looking spirit. Walking from The Bund to Lujiazui provides a fascinating journey through a century of architectural evolution, showcasing the transition from classical to modern times. This stark juxtaposition highlights Shanghai’s unique ability to honor its past while embracing the future.
Shanghai’s Farce: A Unique Gem in Chinese Theatre
Farce, or “Huajixi,” is a traditional local theatre genre from Shanghai and its surrounding areas, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. Originating in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, Farce emerged from the performances of Shanghai students and intellectuals returning from abroad who were exploring new dramatic forms. This unique comedic art form evolved from Shanghai’s monologue performances, influenced by both Chinese and Western comedic traditions, as well as Jiangnan local operas. It stands out as a distinctive genre in Chinese theatre.
Farce has a long and intricate history of artistic development, resulting in a distinct artistic personality and aesthetic. The essence of Farce lies in its comedic approach to storytelling. It reveals dramatic conflicts and themes through humor, aiming to achieve societal impact through laughter. Comedy is a central element of Farce, which combines traditional national comedic art with the strengths of foreign comedic techniques.
Outstanding Farce actors are skilled in various opera singing styles, folk tunes, and popular songs. They are typically quick-witted and articulate, capable of speaking in local dialects such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Suzhou, and Nanjing. Mastery of dialects is often considered a key aspect of Farce, adding to its charm and authenticity.
Farce is deeply rooted in Shanghai’s local culture, providing a unique regional flavor that sets it apart from other comedic forms like crosstalk (xiangsheng). Although Farce might be less accessible to those unfamiliar with local dialects, its distinctive local characteristics give it enduring vitality.
Shanghai’s Opening: A Turning Point in its Historical Development
Shanghai’s journey from a passive to an actively confident open city marks a significant chapter in China’s modern history. From the Treaty of Nanking in the aftermath of the Opium War to becoming an international metropolis, Shanghai has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the past century.
Following China’s defeat in the Opium War, the Qing Dynasty was compelled to sign the Treaty of Nanking and the Treaty of the Bogue, among other unequal treaties. In 1843, Shanghai was officially designated as a treaty port, shifting the center of foreign trade from Guangzhou (Canton) to Shanghai. This marked the beginning of Shanghai’s role as a major commercial hub.
After Shanghai’s opening, foreign colonizers quickly arrived, eager to establish their own concessions. They set up banks, factories, and trading houses, effectively monopolizing customs duties and most foreign exchange, as well as import and export businesses. Shanghai thus became a crucial outpost for imperialist powers in China, playing a central role in the political, economic, and cultural invasion of China by foreign powers.
To accommodate the influx of visitors, traditional inns began to open in areas like today’s Yan’an East Road. In 1860, Henry Smith began constructing a two-story Western-style hotel, marking the birth of Shanghai’s first modern hotel—the “Licha Hotel” (later known as the “Lica Hotel”). This establishment catered specifically to foreign guests and was equipped with various recreational facilities including a billiard room, a bar, a dance hall, and a poker room. The hotel frequently hosted performances in its lobby to enrich the guests’ experience.
Modern Shanghai: A Rapidly Developing Metropolis
Since the reform and opening-up era, Shanghai has entered a golden period of development, making significant strides in various fields to become a central hub for China’s economy, finance, trade, and shipping. It plays a crucial role in national economic construction and social development.
Pudong New Area: From Backwater to Modern Powerhouse
Once considered an economically lagging region, Pudong’s status was so low in the 1980s that it was said, “Better to have a bed in Puxi than a room in Pudong.” However, in 1990, the government initiated a major development plan for Pudong. The completion of the Oriental Pearl Tower in 1994 marked the beginning of Pudong’s transformation, attracting thousands of tourists and becoming a Shanghai landmark. Following this, the Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and other skyscrapers were constructed, turning Pudong into a thriving business district. Multinational corporations flocked to Lujiazui, leading to unprecedented growth in Pudong. In 2016, the opening of Shanghai Disneyland further boosted the city’s tourism industry.
Expo 2010: A Historic Event
The 41st World Expo was held in the riverside area between the Nanpu Bridge and the Lupu Bridge in Shanghai. It was the first World Expo ever hosted in China. Over the six-month event, 190 countries and 56 international organizations participated, setting several world records. The Expo featured five major pavilions showcasing technological and cultural achievements from various regions. The China Pavilion from the Expo has been preserved and now serves as the China Art Museum.
High-Speed Rail Development
Shanghai boasts four major train stations with high-speed rail services: Shanghai Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Station, Shanghai West Station, and Nanxiang North Station. The primary high-speed rail station in Shanghai is Shanghai Hongqiao Station, located in the Minhang District. This station connects to the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway and the Shanghai-Hankou-Yichang High-Speed Railway at the northern end, and links to the Shanghai-Kunming High-Speed Railway and the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo Passenger Dedicated Line at the southern end. It is a key component of the Shanghai Hongqiao Comprehensive Transportation Hub and the largest railway passenger transport hub in the East China region.