China: A Shanghai pawnshop in the 1920s

Shanghai (Chinese: 上海; Pinyin Shànghǎi) is one of the largest cities by population in the People's Republic of China, and the world. Due to its rapid growth over the last two decades it has Due to its rapid growth over the last two decades it has has become a global city, exerting influence over finance, commerce, fashion, technology and culture.<br/><br/>The city is located in eastern China, at the middle portion of the Chinese coast, and sits at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Once a fishing and textiles town, Shanghai grew in importance in the 19th century due to its favourable port location and was one of the cities opened to The city then flourished as a center of commerce between east and west, and became a multinational hub of finance and business in the 1930s. However, with the Communist Party takeover of the mainland in 1949, the city's international influence declined. <br/><br/><br/>The city's international influence declined. In 1990, the economic reforms introduced by Deng Xiaoping resulted in an intense re-development of the city, aiding the return of finance and foreign investment to the city. Shanghai is now aiming to be an international shipping center in the future, and is one of the world's major financial centers. Shanghai is now aiming to be an international shipping center in the future, and is one of the world's major financial centres. It is described as the 'showpiece' of the booming economy of mainland China.<br/><br/><br/>The city is also a popular tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks such as The Bund, City God Temple and Yuyuan Garden, as well as the extensive and growing Pudong skyline.