Shanghai is China’s largest city and represents all that is modern. Shanghai is also China’s capital of finance, culture and showcases “new China” . Which is an intersection of fashion, media, finance and capitalism at its finest.
The city is in a state of growth and development. Seeming to always be looking to add modern shopping centers, financial hubs and beautiful architecture.
Unlike the past when sections of the city reflected the cultures of Western nations, the city is now absolutely Chinese.
Is Shanghai Modern?
Along the Huangpu River, old and new China meet head on. On the river’s eastern shore, one can view the Pudong skyline. This area is rapidly constructed to serve as a modern financial center.
However, Bund, on the western banks of the river, houses old Shanghai and is filled with crowded avenues, banks and hotels.
More than 80 years ago, the Bund represented high society, luxury and glamour. Many Hollywood stars of the 1920s and 30s stayed in this section of town.
It wasn’t until 1941, when Japan began occupying the city.
What about traditionalism in shanghai?
Despite Shanghai’s modernism, the city reflects the mindset and desires of normal, ordinary Chinese citizens.
Even today, in Shanghai, day-to-day living centers around eating delicious food. In fact, soup dumplings remain the city’s most popular snack.
Nanjing Road is home to many Western-style shops and boutiques. While the Huangpu district in central Shanghai is lined with a few traditional markets.
These old markets sell everything, from household pets to thousands of insect species. You can even find fighting crickets!
More about Shanghai, China
There is another area of Shanghai, known as the former French Concession. This area is filled with tree-lined streets and many beautiful boutiques and cafes.
This area of Shanghai is a favorite of expats to live, drink, dine and shop.
As Shanghai continues to grow there is an ever-increasing number of high-rise buildings are constructed every year.
Despite the city’s warp-like speed toward modernism, classic Chinese culture can be seen throughout the city.
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