Shanghai 1948 - Witness. Decode. Look Back. Seek the Memory of the City (Copy Version)

Author: Zhang Yuewei, Zong Hongwei
Editor: China Cartographic Society
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Shanghai, named after the Huangpu River (Shanghai Creek in ancient times). Anciently known as Hu Du, abbreviated as Hu; during the Warring States period, it was the territory of the Chu nobleman Chunshen Jun, also known as Shen. The western part of present-day Shanghai was formed 6,000 years ago, while the eastern part about 2,000 years ago. During the Spring and Autumn period, it belonged to the state of Wu; during the Warring States period, it was part of Yue. In the Qin and Han dynasties, it belonged to the Kuaiji Commandery. During the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty, Huating County was established, belonging to Suzhou. In the third year of the Xianchun era of the Southern Song Dynasty, Shanghai Town was established. In the twenty-ninth year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty, Shanghai County was established, belonging to Songjiang Prefecture. In the twenty-third 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 District. In 1927, Shanghai Special City was established. 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 so 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 hope.