Shanghai's Dual Faces: A Tale of Two Sides of the Huangpu River

2024-12-17

This article recounts the author's observations of Shanghai's architecture, focusing on the contrast between Puxi and Pudong. Starting with a 2005 visit, the author describes being captivated by Pudong's rapidly rising skyscrapers. Today, Pudong boasts the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Shanghai Tower, forming a stark contrast to the historical European-style buildings of Puxi. The author argues these structures are not just feats of engineering, but also symbols of China's economic development and cultural transformation, reflecting Shanghai's unique duality: a blend of historical heritage and modern dynamism.