Shanghai: Introduction

The white magnolia, symbol of power and enterprising spirit, was adopted as Shanghai’s emblem in the late 1980’s, and since then Shanghai has emerged as a symbol for modern China. While still retaining some of its historical districts and developing them as tourist destinations, Shanghai’s main evolution has cen-tered around the hypermodern business district of Pulong, with its now signature skyline featuring the trademark Oriental Pearl Tower.

A site of almost unbelievable growth and development since 1990, Shanghai has a tradition of interna-tional and cosmopolitan life harkening back to the colonialism of the mid 19th century. Remnants of this colonialism are reflected in the old European architecture of The Bund and the French Concession. De-spite the city’s dynamic growth, Shanghai now promotes its development strategy as one of harmony, en-capsulated in the World Expo Shanghai 2010 slogan “Better City Better Life” and its “City of Harmony” concept.

The idea is that technology, science, nature, economic development, human space and culture should ex-ist and thrive in harmony with one another. This development has also resulted in a boom in tourism, both international and domestic, with Shanghai’s historic and ultra modern zones attracting scores of visitors. Shanghai’s rich history can still be experienced in the Old City of Nanshi, while some of China’s best shop-ping can be found in the Jingan District. Modern culture, art and design rule in the eclectic Taikang Road creative enclave, and the Shanghai Museum on the People’s Square is widely regarded as the best museum in China.