In search of old Shanghai

by Pan Ling

"Not quite a guidebook and not quite a history, this could be a considered an early entry in the field of pyschogeography. Pan Ling describes the city of Shanghai, both as it is now and as it was, specifically in the the first few decades of the 20th century, and some of the key individuals and events that shaped the landscape of the city."

Genres: China

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1986

Reviews

[Isham Cook]

Brief and somewhat truncated account of Shanghai by a longtime resident and author.

[Lucy]

Not quite a guidebook and not quite a history, this could be a considered an early entry in the field of pyschogeography.

Pan Ling describes the city of Shanghai, both as it is now and as it was, specifically in the the first few decades of the 20th century, and some of the key individuals and events that shaped the landscape of the city.

So far, so good. However this book was written in the early 1980s when Shanghai was still very much a Communist city. Though I don't know all the the places she describes, it's fascinating to note the changes in the cityscape between her descriptions then, and the city now in a latest frenzy of development and enrichment.

Added to this is a slightly whimsical writing style, and it's an engaging tour of a two versions of this startling city, neither of which exists any more though aspects of both still pervade into the present metropolis.

[Mike Violano]

I picked up this book in India on my way to China in 1995. I wanted to learn something about Shanghai and the history of the city before I went there. The book was a great introduction and made my travel and time in Shanghai more valuable. Shanghai still has the "European feel" in it's buildings and business culture yet retains the old Chinese roots of the city and its people. Fascinating blend of pre-20th century China and an ultramodern metropolis. Not a guidebook but a great companion for one.