Such a European Shanghai

Shanghai's architecture is eclectic: near glass skyscrapers, you might find authentic Chinese buildings with curved roofs or charming European-style houses. The metropolis is home to many European buildings that are not mere architectural clones of specific structures or cities, as is often the trend in modern Chinese construction, but rather possess their own history, harking back to the vibrant and prosperous Shanghai of the 1930s. So how did this come to be? 📌In 1842, Shanghai became one of the first Chinese ports opened to foreign trade after China's defeat in the First Opium War (one of the most harrowing chapters in Chinese history). This led to an influx of foreigners, including many British, French, Americans, and Italians, who settled in the city and built their offices and residences. 📌Thus, Shanghai saw the emergence of buildings in neoclassical, art deco, and other European styles, giving the city its unique architectural character. Many of these buildings have been restored and now form part of Shanghai's historical heritage, attracting tourists and researchers alike.