|
shanghai | Shanghai is in the east of Yangtze Delta and faces East China Sea. Beijing, Tenshin, and Shanghai are the 3 cities under the direct control of the republic. It is the largest city of commerce and harbors, and leads the modernization of China. The area of 6,190 square kilometers is consisted of 22 municipalities, wards, and prefectures, in which about 12 million people live. It is also one of the world's greatest megalopolis, and one of the 10 biggest trading port. It also could be called "Paris of the East."
After the national foundation, Shanghai revived as a new-born city of China, and heavy industries grew such as steel, shipbuilding, and chemistry. In recent years, growth of light industry is remarkable too. However, the pollution of the environment(air, noise and water pollution, etc.) have become the most severe problem as industries developed. History of Shanghai begins at Sung era. In Sung era(960-1279 A.D.), Wusong River became narrow being piled up with sand, and it became difficult for shipping. So they transferred the port to the west coast of Shanghai stream which is a tributary of Wuson. That is the origin of modern Shanghai. In 1842, as a result of losing the Opium War, the Qing Government signed the Nanjing Treaty and admitted opening Shanghai Port. After that, Britain, United States, Japan, and France acquired a concession in Shanghai. The land was released after the World War II in March 1949. |