Research on Shanghai and Hangzhou :D

Shanghai:

    [source: www.facilities.ac.uk ]

1. Why is Shanghai the financial and commercial centre of China?

Shanghai's dramatic development comes from its diverse economic base. Major industry networks include: communications, electronics and the information industry, biomedicine, auto manufacturing, petroleum, sophisticated chemical and steel manufacturing, complete-set equipment manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, household electrical appliances, and tourism.

2. Why is Shanghai the largest developed city by population in China?

Firstly, Shanghai has a total area of 6,340.5 square kilometers (2,448 sq mi). This shows that it is a relatively large town, which can occupy more people. Secondly, it has an extensive network of rivers, canals, lakes and streams. Thus, it is suitable for fishery and supplies freshwater for the people. It also allows another form of transportation-- via water. These combines to create a perfect setting for a large population. On the other hand, migration to the area is increasing rapidly especially after it's Hukou system(on of its economic reforms), which will offer incentives to migrants who move to rural people in the cities, providing them the same benefits as local residents. 

3. How has Shanghai developed over the years?

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 five opened to foreign trade following the British victory over China in the First Opium War while the subsequent 1842 Treaty of Nanking and 1844 Treaty of Whampoa allowed the establishment of the Shanghai International Settlement and the French Concession. 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. However, with the Communist Party takeover of the mainland in 1949, trade was reoriented to focus on socialist countries, and the city's global influence declined. In the 1990s, the economic reforms introduced by Deng Xiaoping resulted in an intense re-development of the city, aiding the return of finance and foreign investment to the city

   Sky view of Shanghai

  [source: www.shutterstock.com]

Hangzhou:

   [source: http://en.wl-expo.com/hangzhou02.html]

4. What role does Hangzhou play in ancient China?

Hangzhou's role in ancient China was to act as capital of the Wuyue Kingdom from 907 to 978 during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period as well as other roles. It is also listed as one of the Seven Ancient Capitals of China.

5. How has Hangzhou developed over the years?

Started as "Yuhang" (simplified Chinese: 馀杭) in 220 BC during the Qin dynasty, "Hangzhou" in AD 589, the capital of the Wuyue Kingdom from 907 to 978 during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, Arab merchants' migration town during the Song Dynasty, then the new capital of the Southern Song dynasty in 1132 until the Mongol invasion of 1276 where it served as the seat of the imperial government, a center of trade and entertainment, and the nexus of the main branches of the civil service, where it was captured by Mongol armies of Kublai Khan in 1276.The city of Hangzhou was constantly under development since the ancient period. The city remained an important port until the middle of the Ming dynasty era, when its harbor slowly silted up. Then urbanization and modernization take place and we have our current Hangzhou.

    Westlake in Hangzhou

   [source: http://thegoldenscope.com/2014/04/26/a-gweilo-in-1980s-china-chapter-14/]