Shanghai is a mystique city filled with Chinese traditionalism and western modernity. Its evolution is historical, charming and charismatic. Beginning as a small fishing village in the thirteenth century, Shanghai slowly grew into a town, and later a major city in Imperial China. The city was revered by explorers and merchants, later becoming the “Paris of the East” and the home of silk, porcelain, tea and jade. Shanghai evolved into a large seaport for trade and commerce with Europe and during the Imperialist Era, became a large center for the illegal opium trade into European colonies in Asia, specifically British Burma, Ceylon, Malaysia and Singapore. When the Chinese fought to retake their territory from the British, their fleet was completely obliterated by brute force. These conflicts came to be known as the Opium Wars. In 1842, the Treaty of Nanjing was signed, to hand over Hong Kong, Shanghai, Nanjing, Canton and Xiamen to the British crown as a treaty port.
Shanghai ultimately grew into a metropolis, with millions of people pouring into the city on ferries from the Huangpu River. The riverside became known as Wai Tan, or The Bund. This is the most historic part of the city, where British merchants and bankers adorned the streets with their ornate office buildings, banks, clearing houses, auction houses and mansions. The Hong Kong and Shanghai Holdings Limited, built by the Mizrahi Jewish Kadoorie Family, for example, were the first foreign investors in the city. After the treaty of Nanjing, the family’s company controlled the most of the land and air rights in the area. The British were not the only ones to be in Shanghai, the French occupied their part of the city as well. As a result of France’s extremely weak Navy, they were not controlling the trade, but rather the real-estate and cobblestone streets inside the city. Known today as Xin Tian Di, or New Heaven, this was the original French Concession, where merchants and aristocrats would have their mansions in Shanghai.
At the founding of New China in 1949, all the foreigners were chased out of China, removing all of its influence and foreign investments. China became a recluse nation, and thus set itself apart from the rest of rapidly growing Asia. Ultimately in 1980, the Open Door Policy was enacted, allowing investors and tourists to begin to travel to China for commerce. This was the springboard which led to Shanghai’s rapid growth today. The Kadoories returned to Shanghai in 2009, restoring older British buildings on the Bund, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Today, Shanghai, a multicultural metropolis, is a financial, economic, international trade and tourist powerhouse that attracts visitors worldwide. This vibrant city intertwines its historical roots with art-deco and chic pazazz. The new modern architecture blended with the traditional old Shikumen style provides a striking contrast. A visitor may enjoy a morning tour along the cobblestone lanes in the Old Town enjoying the traditional and glorious Yuyuan Gardens and an afternoon stroll in the New Pudong Area surrounded by sprawling glass skyscrapers overlooking the Huangpu River. An eclectic gastronomic experience may include a lunch of authentic small-plates of dianxin at Din Tai Fung in Xian Tian Di and indulging in a twist of delectable flavors at a Anglo-French hub at M on the Bund for dinner. Wherever your feet take you in Shanghai, you will be mesmerized by a unique blending of east and west, yet always celebrating the history and evolution of this diverse city. 
Some of the information and pictures in this article are from the following sources:
https://davidderrick.wordpress.com/author/davidderrick/page/64/
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shanghai_1928_Bund_Cenotaph.jpeg
Wow I never knew Shanghai had such a rich history! I never really knew about what the British and French did while in Shanghai. I like how the name Xin Tian Di came to be. It’s also interesting how the same family went back to Shanghai as soon as China opened up again. I hope one day I can experience the cultural blend in Shanghai
wow this article was loaded with information that is extremely fascinating! i found it interesting learning about the different cultures that diversified shanghai. i also found it extremely interesting how china grew into a “multicultural metropolis”.
Shanghai is a very well-known city in China, and I think it’s really great that you’re bringing attention to the history and development of this populous metropolis. Like most other well-known megacities in China, it seems to be a common theme that they start out as a small, rural fishing village and eventually develop into prosperous cities that are visited very often. It’s very interesting how Shanghai was mainly controlled by major European countries like Britain and France until their liberation, so there might be some European influence that carries on even into the modern day. The Riverside that became known as Wai Tan seems like it carries probably the most European influence remaining in Shanghai, as it was the main area where British merchants would set up shop and perform business. I still wonder had the open door policy not been implemented, would Shanghai or other major cities in China really be as populous, bright and diverse?
What a well written article! It’s amazing to see how Shanghai just started out as a fishing village and grew into a very well known megacity. Additionally, you added so much background information of all the investors that came into Shanghai and built the city up to what it is today. It’s interesting to see how the British aspects of the city returned in 2009 attracting even more tourists. Thank you so much for sharing, and I can’t wait to see more articles!
Ah, cool! My brother went to Shanghai. It was very nice… I’m glad that you have taught me many more facts about Shanghai! I never knew that Shanghai was first a fishing village! And to think that it has advanced this far!!!
I did not know that Shanghai has such a rich history. Like the fact that after the Opium Wars that they were given to Britain and France. I do think that it is amazing that only after 40 or so years that Shanghai has turned into a booming metropolis with the most state-of-the art tech. And how even with the sudden growth of the city that many of the more traditional parts were preserved to walk enjoy
Shanghai will have to be on the itinerary for the next time I go to China. I visited Beijing and Xi’an two very beautiful cities. Shanghai looks amazing, and with such a rich history who would not want to see it. I am just wondering if Shanghai has the same smog that Beijing has? Just thinking that a spectacular city like that could come from just a small fishing village is amazing.
Very cool article. The images really made me want to go and visit Shanghai for the first time. It’s amazing to see how the city began just as a simple fishing village, and now it is a booming industrial/ business center. The two pictures of the old and modern versions of Shanghai represent just how trans formative technology has been on the world.
I never knew that Shanghai had an amazing history. It’s amazing how a small fishing village turned into a large industrial city. Also, I am surprised that Shanghai could did not have good trade routes to other countries. Furthermore, I am shocked how in 1949, all of the foreigners were chased out of China. I hope one day I can check out Shanghai and experience the history of Shanghai and the modern mix of the east and the west
Great article, Matthew! I always knew Shanghai is an amazing city, but I never knew just how magnificent its history was. It has a mix of modernity and classicism that makes it the perfect Chinese city. As a city in east Asia, no one would assume that it had been deeply impacted by European powers like Britain and France. I hope to see the history of Shanghai for myself one day! Keep up the great work!
Wow, amazing article! Your writing really sheds light on the history of one of China’s most famous and populated cities. I loved how you showed both the Western and Eastern influences that make Shanghai into the prosperous city that it is. It was interesting learning about Shanghai’s role in the Opium Wars- a conflict that heavily impacted large portions of China. From a small fishing village to a booming metropolis, Shanghai’s social and economic environment helps redefine modern Chinese culture- an undoubtedly impressive feat.
Interesting article! I went to Shanghai before and I never knew there were a lot of history behind it! It’s amazing that Shanghai changed so much as time went on. I only stayed in Shanghai for about 2 days, but I definitely want to explore more of the city in the future. The 小笼包 there is delicious~
Its funny how all these large metropolitan cities all began as small fishing villages. Shanghai is probably one of the most famous cities in China, yet I didn’t know about the rich history behind it. I knew that it had some European influence, but I didn’t know that both the British and the French planted roots in it. From the description it Shanghai sounds like a very nice and eloquent city that I would want to visit sometime in the future!
I’ve been to Shanghai before, but reading about its history was just as fascinating as being in the city itself. Who knew the “Paris of the East,” home of silk, porcelain, tea and jade was Shanghai! It’s very interesting how French and British colonialism influenced Shanghainese history. It’s also extremely interesting how Shanghai, much like much of the modern Chinese cities today, grew from a small fishing village to the financial center of Asia. This is a great, detailed article about the history of Shanghai!
Shanghai has such an interesting history and culture that now I want to visit it. Once a small fishing village, Shanghai has evolved throughout centuries into a multicultural metropolis. It was once the home of silk, porcelain, tea and jade, revered as the “Paris of the East”. Shanghai then grew into a metropolis, with the Huangpu River serving as an important transport role. Today, Shanghai is a financial, economic, international trade and tourist powerhouse that attracts visitors worldwide.
我很佩服上海的改变，先进的文化。从一个渔村变到现在这个样子。我对于上海也不是很了解， 但是读完这篇短文突然想去了解一下上海，感觉经历了非常多的事情。我很喜欢上海的建筑，因为有建筑是由许多的球体构造成的。看起来很有趣。
正如文中所说的，上海是个多元性文化城市，高楼大厦各种大公司都在那里，上海的繁华那是不用说的，但上海不光只是让你能感受到大都市的气氛和每天的快节奏生活，同样可以吃到上海特别好吃的小笼包，也可以在上海安静的享受生活。而且上海是一座港口城市在之前所有的贸易都是通过水上运输，自然显得上海甚至比首都北京还要繁华。对于上海已经没有过多的印象了希望以后有机会可以再去上海看看。
I remember learning about the Opium Wars in AP Euro class. It’s interesting to have more information on how the Chinese reacted to the situation and what exactly they did to end the war. I’ve always been told by my parents that Britain had once had control of Hong Kong (where my family is from) and that’s why they had more advancements and connections to western society. I’ve never visited Shanghai but your description and the imagery used makes me want to visit. Great article!
This article was packed full with information! I found it really interesting how so many cultures have been involved in Shanghai’s history such as the British, the French, and the Mizrahi Jews. I had no that Hong Kong, Shanghai, Nanjing, Canton and Xiamen were all once British possessions due to the Treaty of Nanjing. I was really fascinated to read about the Opium Wars and the illegal trade throughout Europe and Asia, and I can’t wait to further look into that historical event. The last paragraph really highlighted the stark contrast between the ancient styles and the modern influence seen all around Shanghai. If and when I get a chance to go to China, I will definitely make an effort to experience Shanghai as described in this article. The pictures really supported the theme of contrast from Shanghai’s early history to modern times. Great read!!
Shanghai is a city I have not yet but would love to go to! I’ve learned only bits and pieces of this city and this article provides even more insight. The way Shanghai mixes its traditional Chinese culture with modern influences is really interesting. I would love to visit The Bund someday! This article covering the uniqueness of Shanghai was great, thank you!
What an interesting article Matthew! I have never been to Shanghai but I know that it’s an amazing city and has so much history in it. I think that it is interesting that only after 40 or so years that Shanghai has turned into a booming metropolis with the most state-of-the art tech. I hope one day I will get to see and experience the history of Shanghai.
Shanghai has been a metropolis since a long time ago to present days. It has a lot of history in it, and it was (and is) a place where traditional Chinese culture and modern western culture met. This is continued even nowadays– Shanghai is still one of the most popular and old Chinese cities where trades are actively done. However, I didn’t know that China forced all the foreigners out of their country to stop their influence. I thought Shanghai always welcomed new cultures and adopted them. This article had information that I didn’t know before, and it was very well written. Nice job Matthew.
I have never been to Shanghai, however, I have always wanted to go there. Shanghai is a famous city and has a long history. It’s so interesting how much Shanghai has developed over the years. This amazingly written article shows how such a drastic change can happen in such a short time. Although I knew that China followed isolationism, I wasn’t aware of the immense impact it had on Shanghai and China as a whole.
上海是中国最大的城市之一，同时也拥有全世界最繁忙的港口。每次去上海都有变化。最代表上海的建筑之一也就是东方明珠了。去那里可以了解中国的文化，科技和最有名的小吃。
Great article Matthew! I can’t believe that Shanghai used to be a fishing village. It really has grown and developed so much. Looking at the pictures of Shanghai during different time periods, I can see such a big difference. Each picture looks like a completely different city! I wish to go to the wonderful city of Shanghai one day, so I could experience the wonderful things there and the culture.
Matthew, you are obviously very informed about Chinese culture and Shanghai! I think it’s so cool that you choose to showcase your passion for Chinese culture in well written articles like the one above. Shanghai, like a lot of the rest of China, has developed dramatically over the past few years. Nice work tying in historical circumstances with present-day Shanghai! I loved reading this article.
Being a modern cornerstone of the technological, economic, and cultural of modern China, it is very interesting to read on the historical upbringing and impact of Shanghai. Matthew nails his vivid imagery and insightful emphasis of Shanghai’s past. It is most intriguing to see the wide range of goods Shanghai distributed and/or traded – from tea all the way to opium! I can definitely attest to Shanghai’s great vibrancy as described in the article; reading this only makes me want to revisit Shanghai even more.
七年前有幸去过一次上海，上海的发展无疑是飞速的。这个飞速发展的城市又拥有着浓厚的文化底蕴。我觉得在这样一个金融飞速发展的城市生活是一个难但是又会很方便。
上海是一个多元化的城市，作为中国最大的港口城市之一，上海一直是一个在经济和时尚领域都处在最前端的的城市，并且这种位置在上世纪就已经形成了。正如夜上海里面所唱的那样，上海是座不夜城。并且上海一直发展的很好直到现在。
我曾经在上海生活过十二年，但是我没有在市中心生活过。这篇文章说了上海是发展的最快的城市之一。它是多种文化的结合，那里有很多人，他们来自不同的地方。上海的时尚和科技都是世界的顶尖。我希望上海可以继续发展。
Great article! I’ve been to Shanghai before, but I knew very little of its history. It’s amazing to learn about the incredible growth the city has been through to become the modern metropolis it is today. It’s impressive how it started as a small fishing village and is now a thriving tourist powerhouse. I never knew that Shanghai was referred to as the “Paris of the East.”
你让我了解到了很多关于上海的知识。上海在中国的东方，所有他被称之为“东方巴黎。”其实我并没有去过上海，但是上海的东方明珠却略有耳闻。他是上海广播电视塔，高度是468米，真的很高！还有上海最近两年开的迪士尼乐园，也是让上海增加了很多的游客量。
Amazing article! Whenever I think of China, I always think of the bigger cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. The development of a small, fishing village to the huge metropolis it is today is incredible. Din Tai Fung is one of my favorite restaurants in Asia. My family and I visit the Din Tai Fund located in Taipei 101 every year. With the interesting history of Shanghai, it is truly a place that I would want to visit in the future.
Of all the major cities in China, Shanghai’s history has always been the most intriguing to me. Yet another informative and extremely well written article Matt! I enjoyed reading and learning about the Bund and how Shanghai became the metropolis that she is today.
I’ve visited Shanghai when I was little with little to no memories and I can’t wait to see this beautiful city again!
I visited Shanghai only one time. This city was once a trading port during times of European Imperialism. It is also a center of advanced technology, foreign culture and past history. Today, the population continues to grow to over a million people! It’s food is so authentic that I want to come back another time!