“Marshland in Shanghai?” you ask surprised. But I confirm that Fengyang Marsh exists right here. It is a testament to Shanghai’s ever-changing landscape. Today, let’s uncover some truths about this vibrant city.
Shanghai’s story is relatively recent by Chinese standards. As one local said if you want to see 2,000 years of history, go to Xian. If you want 500 years, go to Beijing. Shanghai shows you what will happen in the future.
Before 1842, Shanghai was a small fishing town. The British arrived after the Opium Wars and turned Shanghai into a treaty port. Soon, Americans, French, and Russians followed. By the 1850s, Shanghai had a large expatriate community living in separate concessions.
The name Shanghai means “Upon-the-Sea.” It first appeared during the Song Dynasty in the 11th century. An older name is Shen, after a nobleman from the third century B.C.
Shanghai wasn’t always the bustling metropolis we see today. Back in the Song Dynasty around 1074, it was just a market town. A sea wall was built in 1172 to protect the coastline. Shanghai officially became a city in 1927. Before that, it was administered by Songjiang.
A city wall was constructed in 1554 during the Ming Dynasty. It was built to defend against Japanese pirates. Later, in 1602, the City God Temple was built. This boosted Shanghai’s importance.
During the Qing Dynasty, two key decisions transformed Shanghai. Emperor Kangxi reversed the ban on ocean-going vessels in 1684. Then, in 1732, Emperor Yongzheng moved the customs office to Shanghai. By 1735, Shanghai became the major trade port for the lower Yangtze River region.
Europeans recognized Shanghai’s potential in the early 19th century. Its location near the Yangtze River made it ideal for trade. After the First Opium War, the British turned Shanghai into a treaty port.
The British were quickly followed by Americans, French and Russians. They created concessions outside the Chinese-ruled city. In 1854, the Shanghai Municipal Council was formed to manage these foreign settlements.
Shanghai became a hub of European intervention. The city was divided into autonomous European districts. These concessions had their own laws, police, and courts. Chinese citizens were often excluded.
By the 1920s, Shanghai had a huge expatriate community. Many were British but there were also sizable populations of Americans, French and Russians. Tens of thousands of refugees fleeing Bolshevism and Nazism arrived in Shanghai. By 1932, Shanghai was one of the world’s largest cities.
Chinese workers played a crucial role in Shanghai’s growth. Around 200,000 helped turn it into Asia’s largest manufacturing city. Even in the concessions, most residents were Chinese workers.
In the early 20th century, Shanghai was a city of contrasts. Known as both the “Whore of Asia” and the “Paris of Asia,” it had fine restaurants and opium dens. The city’s nightlife was legendary with dance halls and brothels.
The Great World Amusement Center was a major attraction. It featured prostitutes, freak shows, and various forms of entertainment. It even had a place for gamblers to end their lives if they lost everything.
The Chinese Communist Party was founded in Shanghai in 1921. The first congress took place at a girls’ boarding school. Early members included Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai.
Chiang Kai-shek cracked down on the Communists in 1927. Thousands were massacred in the Shanghai Coup. This forced the Communist Party underground.
The Japanese invaded Shanghai in 1937. The Battle of Shanghai resulted in many casualties. The Great World Amusement Center was bombed. Shanghai was occupied by the Japanese until 1945.
After the Communist takeover in 1949, Shanghai changed dramatically. Addicts and prostitutes were forced to change their ways. The city became a manufacturing center.
Economic reforms began in the 1980s and Shanghai transformed into a modern metropolis. Today, it’s a global financial hub. As you stand here at Fengyang Marsh, remember Shanghai’s dynamic history. From a small fishing town to a world city, Shanghai continues to evolve and surprise.