Republic of China Business

Author: Shi Ying
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: "Myriad Aspects of the Republic Era" is not a rigorous historical work, not a detailed photographic reportage, not a chronicle with clear temporal sequences, nor a literary portrayal of personal sentiments. "Myriad Aspects of the Republic Era" may be a combination of these, a hodgepodge. It is a collection of historical images of the Republic Era that we have extracted for readers, hoping they will come alive in their eyes and hearts, allowing them to experience a more vivid touch of the atmosphere of that time. Whether it is the old city with its outdated architecture or the new foreign-influenced district where Chinese and foreigners coexist, the dazzling array of trades depict the prosperous scenery of Shanghai. In the old city, although the thick walls hindered the entry of "strange and marvelous" foreign novelties brought by foreigners into the concession, the century-old shops in, Ximen, and the Old North Gate, tightly packed together, still sustained the prosperity of the past. However, across the vast expanse of Shanghai, countless new and unfamiliar foreign goods—bicycles, cameras, microscopes, gramophones, clocks, eyeglasses, beer, soda, milk, bread, and many other novelties unknown to the Chinese—replaced the market without hesitation. Due to their clear advantages, these Western items and daily necessities were quickly adopted by the people of Shanghai and widely praised. During the Republic Era, a large number of Chinese national capitalists emerged, with prominent figures in fields such as textiles, finance, and import and export trade. Notable economic events and their historical evaluations also appeared. Characters, shops, advertisements, posters, and product designs reflect the economic life of the Republic Era.