Tuesday, June 06, 2006
A city of contrasts
Shanghai is a city of fascinating contrasts. There is the old and very European architecture of the French Quarter. There are towering skyscrapers and post-revolutionary apartment structures. The city has a revolutionary history and a flair for capitalism. Like many great cities it is schizophrenic. The first meeting place of the Chinese Communist Party is situated within what is now one of the cities most noted shopping districts. The museum is literally a 100 foot walk from the nearest Starbucks. Shanghai is destined to become one of the 5 most important cities in the world. It is located at the mouth of one of the world's longest and most important rivers.
As China develops billions, if not trillions of dollars of commerce will come through this city every year. Until now HOng Kong has been the most important economic city in the Chinese world. That is going to change because of geography. 50 years from now, Hong Kong may very well be the New Orleans of China. At the very most, it will be the gateway to parts of Southern China. Now off to bed. Tomorrow we take the train to Kumming and the start of two weeks hiking, trekking and seeing China's minority communities.
As China develops billions, if not trillions of dollars of commerce will come through this city every year. Until now HOng Kong has been the most important economic city in the Chinese world. That is going to change because of geography. 50 years from now, Hong Kong may very well be the New Orleans of China. At the very most, it will be the gateway to parts of Southern China. Now off to bed. Tomorrow we take the train to Kumming and the start of two weeks hiking, trekking and seeing China's minority communities.
