Shanghai

The Treaty of Nanking was signed on August 29, 1842, marking the end of the First Opium War between the United Kingdom and the Qing dynasty of China. As a result, Shanghai was one of the five Chinese port cities forced to open foreign trade under this treaty. This event significantly impacted Shanghai, transforming it from a small town to a principal trading hub in China due to Western influence and commerce. The treaty ceded Hong Kong to the UK and established a 'fair and reasonable' tariff, establishing extraterritorial rights for foreigners and a 'most favored nation' status for Britain.

Fudan University, one of China's most prestigious and historically significant universities, was founded on September 19, 1899. Located in Shanghai, Fudan was originally established as Fudan Public School by Ma Xiangbo. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive research university offering a wide range of disciplines. The foundation of Fudan has played a crucial role in the educational and cultural development of Shanghai and holds a prominent place in the history of Chinese education.

The Shanghai Massacre, also known as the April 12th Incident, occurred on March 21, 1927, when the nationalist forces of Chiang Kai-shek attacked communist organizations in Shanghai. This violent purge resulted in the deaths of thousands of communists and marked the beginning of the end for the First United Front between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Communist Party of China (CPC). The massacre had significant implications for China's political landscape and contributed to the onset of the Chinese Civil War.

The Battle of Shanghai was a key battle fought between the National Revolutionary Army of the Republic of China and the Imperial Japanese Army from August 13, 1937, to November 26, 1937. This brutal three-month battle marked the beginning of full-scale war between China and Japan in the Second Sino-Japanese War. The battle saw the mobilization of thousands of troops on both sides and resulted in significant casualties. Shanghai's capture by the Japanese was a major strategic gain, and the battle itself is remembered as one of the longest and bloodiest battles at the start of World War II.

On May 27, 1949, Shanghai was taken by the Chinese Communist forces led by the People's Liberation Army during the Chinese Civil War. This marked a significant turning point in the Chinese Civil War, as Shanghai was one of the last major cities held by the Nationalist government. The capture of Shanghai effectively paved the way for the establishment of the People's Republic of China later that year and demonstrated the significant military and organizational strength of the communist forces.

The Shanghai Communiqué was issued at the conclusion of President Richard Nixon's visit to China, on February 28, 1972. This diplomatic document marked the beginning of improved relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China. It was a pivotal moment in the Cold War period, as it helped to bridge the gap between the two countries that had been estranged since the Chinese Communist Revolution in 1949. The communiqué outlined a mutual desire for normalization of relations and set the groundwork for future diplomatic relationships.

The Shanghai Stock Exchange officially began operations on December 19, 1990. This event marked Shanghai's return as a global financial center and the reintegration of China into the global economy after decades of closed-door policies. The establishment of the stock exchange was a significant step in China's economic reforms and opening-up process, providing a platform for companies to raise capital and for investors to trade equities and securities in a regulated environment. The Shanghai Stock Exchange has since become one of the world's largest and most significant stock markets.

The Shanghai World Expo 2010 was held from May 1 to October 31, 2010, with the theme 'Better City, Better Life'. It was the first time a World Expo was hosted by a developing nation. The event was notable for its scale and scope, featuring over 240 countries and international organizations. The Expo attracted over 73 million visitors, making it the most well-attended in history. The event highlighted sustainability, innovation, and the role of cities in the future of humanity, and left a lasting impact on Shanghai's urban development and international standing.

The Shanghai Tower, located in the Lujiazui area of the Pudong district, was officially completed and opened to the public on July 31, 2017. It stands as the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world with a height of 632 meters. The tower is notable for its spiraling cylindrical shape, environmentally sustainable design features, and mixed-use functions including office spaces, retail outlets, a luxury hotel, and cultural amenities. It symbolizes Shanghai's rapid modernization and economic growth.

On January 23, 2021, Shanghai launched its public COVID-19 vaccination campaign as part of China's nationwide effort to combat the coronavirus pandemic. This marked a significant step in China's public health response, with Shanghai health authorities aiming to vaccinate millions of residents with Chinese-developed vaccines. The vaccination campaign highlighted Shanghai's preparedness, organizational capability, and commitment to ensuring public health and safety amidst the ongoing global pandemic.