Shanghai 1956 - Witness. Decode. Look Back. Seek the Memory of the City (Copy Version)

Author: Zhang Yuewei Zong Hongwei
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Shanghai, named after the Huangpu River (formerly the Shanghai Creek), was anciently known as Hu Du and shortened to Hu; it was a territory of the Chu Prince Chunshen during the Warring States period and also referred to as Shen. The western part of Shanghai's landmass formed approximately 6,000 years ago, while the eastern part was settled about 2,000 years ago. During the Spring and Autumn period, it belonged to the state of Wu, and during the Warring States period, it was part of the Yue region. In the Qin and Han dynasties, it was part of the Kuaiji Commandery. During the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty, Huating County was established and belonged to Suzhou. In the third year of the Xianchun era of the Southern Song Dynasty, Shanghai Town was established. In the 29th year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty, Shanghai County was established and belonged to Songjiang Prefecture. In the 23rd year of the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty (1843), Shanghai was opened as a port and divided into the International Settlement, French Concession, and Chinese Settlement. In 1927, Shanghai was established as a Special Municipality. On May 5, 1949, the Shanghai Municipal People's Government was established, and on January 1, 1950, it became a centrally administered direct-controlled municipality under the administration of the East China Administrative Region. On June 6, 1954, it became a direct-controlled municipality of the central government, which remains the case to this day. In 1958, ten counties from the former Songjiang Special District of Jiangsu Province, including Jiading, were merged into Shanghai, forming the current boundaries of the city. Today, Shanghai administers 18 districts, including Huangpu, and Chongming County. Maps are carriers of geographical information. Maps from different eras are witnesses to historical development. We have reprinted four old Shanghai maps from the 1920s to the 1950s and dedicated them to readers, aiming to evoke memories of urban history for the older generation of Shanghai residents and to inspire the new generation to pursue this land of opportunity.