Cute Shanghai (160 Years of Shanghai Knowledge Quiz 1843-2003)

Author: Xiong Yuezhi
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-04-01
Features: Shanghai, a city with a relatively short history yet rich in culture. Its distinct four seasons, abundant rainfall, and favorable climate are its divine blessings; its advantageous geographical location includes being cradled by rivers and the sea, having a vast hinterland, dense river networks, and fertile land. Its humanistic character embraces inclusiveness, learning from diverse cultures, integrity, elegance, harmony between humanity and nature, and continuous progress. It was the economic, trade, financial, and cultural center of modern China, a typical immigrant city where 80% of its population in the modern era came from various provinces of China, with many also being foreign expatriates from around the world. It earned the infamous reputation of an "adventurer's paradise" but was also called a "red cradle." Today, it is the industrial center, financial backbone, and cultural hub of China. The reform and opening-up brought new opportunities to Shanghai, especially after 1992, when it moved to the forefront of China's reform and opening-up, unleashing its potential like never before and embarking on a new leap forward—changing every year, transforming greatly every three years—advancing rapidly on the path to building a modern international metropolis with "one leading role and four centers." The successful bid for the World Expo has further accelerated Shanghai's urban development. This book compiles the key figures, events, and distinctive aspects of Shanghai's history, bringing them together in one volume. The timeline spans from 1842 to 2002. The format follows a question-and-answer style, with explanations striving for accuracy, clarity, and conciseness. The compilers are all professional researchers from the Institute of History at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.