History of Shanghai

Dear Traveler,

Welcome to the WanderStories™ History of Shanghai as told by the best local guide.

Welcome to Shanghai, the largest city proper in both China and the world. It is one of the major financial centers for Asia and home to one of the world’s busiest ports.

Its history goes back for thousands of years, though it is perhaps not until the last thousand or so that Shanghai has been of any significance except to its inhabitants. For centuries a major administrative, shipping, and trading town, Shanghai grew in importance in the 19th century due to European recognition of its favorable port location and economic potential. The city was one of several opened to foreign trade following the British victory over China in the First Opium War, which allowed the establishment of the Shanghai International Settlement. The city then flourished as a center of commerce between East and West, and became the undisputed financial hub of the Asia Pacific in the 1930s.

Today, Shanghai is a popular tourist destination. It has been described as the showpiece of the booming economy of China. There is only one thing to do now – visit!


We, at WanderStories™, are storytellers. We don’t tell you where to eat or sleep, we don’t intend to replace a typical travel reference guide. Our mission is to be the best local guide that you would wish to have by your side when visiting the sights. So, we meet you at the sight and take you on a tour.

WanderStories™ travel guides are unique because our storytelling style puts you alongside the best local guide who tells you fascinating stories and unusual facts recreating the passion and sacrifice that forged the beauty of these places right here in front of you, while a wealth of high quality photos, historic pictures, and illustrations brings your tour vividly to life.

Our promise:

• when you visit Shanghai with this travel guide you will have the best local guide at your fingertips

• when you read this travel guide in the comfort of your armchair you will feel as if you are actually visiting Shanghai with the best local guide


Let’s go!

Your guide, WanderStories