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Shanghai is a city located on the central coast of China with a population of approximately 23,000,000. It is located along the Yangtze River Delta and contains smaller historical districts, such as Zhujiajiao and Wuzhen, which are popular because of their location and architecture along the river. The city is known for being a hub for business, finance, shopping, and tourism.
The name Shanghai means "City of the Sea" and was given that name due to its geographical location. Its history dates back to 5,000 BC when the Majiabang tribe inhabited the area. At the time, it was a small village and grew over time due to its proximity to the coast. It eventually became an important port location and was officially considered a city in 1291 by the Yuang rulers, as it was home to an imperial garrison.
Shanghai saw a major expansion after the Opium War in 1842 when the British declared Shanghai as a treaty port, which then opened the city up for trade with foreign entities, such as the French and Americans. The British, French, and Americans all acted as colonists in the city and established foreign settlements. There was still a walled section of the city where Chinese people could live, and they also had the option to live in the colonial settlements. The city expanded as an industrial center and trading port.
The city became occupied by the Japanese in the 1930s and 1940s. The Japanese occupation ended with the end of World War II, and civil war continued between Nationalists and Communists. The Communists declared victory in 1949 and established the People's Republic of China, which is still in power today.
Shanghai faced several decades of reform and became an area known for its factories. It started to become the business and financial hub it is today in 1990 when the Pudong area began to be developed with high rises and other significant forms of architecture.
There are a variety of sites to see in Shanghai, and some are listed below:
- Yuyuan Gardens & Bazaar
- The Bund
- Jade Buddha Temple
- Shanghai Tower
- Tianzifang
- Xintiandi
- Shanghai Museum
- M50
- Jing'an Temple