品中国(第二辑)(英)

Home to more than 24 million people and numerous futuristic skyscrapers, Shanghai is China’s largest metropolis and one of the most influential global financial centers of the 21st century. Sitting at the opening of the Yangtze River along the eastern coast of China, Shanghai’s strategic location has made it one of the country’s most important hubs for foreign trade since the 1800s. With more than 200,000 expats living in the city today, Shanghai has been home to foreigners from the West since the end of the First Opium War. Signings of several treaties – the most prominent being the Treaty of Nanking and the Treaty of Whampoa (in 1842 and 1844, respectively) – allowed the Brits, French and Americans to carve out ‘concessions’ outside of the walled city of Shanghai. During the late 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai was considered the most prosperous city of East Asia and one of the leading financial hubs of the region. Its economic influence, however, declined over the next few decades as a result of the Japanese invasion and the Chinese Communist Revolution. It wasn’t until Deng Xiaoping’s introduction of economic reforms near the end of the 20th century that led to the city’s rapid redevelopment and the return of foreign investment, as well as its rising prominence on the global stage. One of the fastest-growing cities in the world since the 1990s, Shanghai’s modern Pudong skyline is marked with three of China’s tallest buildings – the Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Shanghai Tower – together with the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower. All of these are juxtaposed with Art Deco- and neoclassical-style buildings along the Bund on the west side of the Huangpu River and in the former French Concession area. In addition to its economic triumphs in recent years, Shanghai also has an increasingly vibrant arts and culture scene. With dozens of art galleries and museums dotting the city, travelers can spend hours strolling through exhibitions at places like Power Station of Art or Long Museum along West Bund, or take in the beauty of traditional Chinese art forms at the Shanghai Museum right in the heart of the city. With its rich history and unique geographical location, Shanghai’s traditional cuisine is influenced by the neighboring provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu – generally characterized by thick, dark sauces and a preference for sweet flavors even in savory dishes. The city’s status in the global F&B scene has been on the rise in recent years, partly thanks to the launch of the Shanghai edition of Michelin Guide 2017. One can easily find a plethora of cuisines – both domestic and international – served next to one another in the city’s many shopping and entertainment complexes. Here are our top recommendations for the top spots in the city for sightseeing, our favorite local dishes, and some of Shanghai's best hotels. EAST Explore CHINA | shanghai