As a city,Shanghai is only some 700 years old and its history as a well known international metropolis is even shorter-a little over a century. During that time Shanghai has expe rienced many vicissitudes, its rise and prosperity becoming the stuff of legend. Being near the sea and reflect ing this in its name, since the begin ning of China's modern history, Shanghai has become the most vi brant and most internationalized place in China's modernization process. It is the epitome of modem. fast-changing China.
　　Today, Shanghai attracts more and more attention from all over the world. The legend continues.

It is easy to have a auick look at China's past and present, but it takes time to gain a panoramic knowledge of China. The "Pan oramic China" series is meant to assist readers, especially those overseas, in this respect. Each volume in the series focuses on a province, municipality or autono mous region, describing, with illustrations, the outstanding char acteristics of each area from dif ferent perspectives.

Foreword

Shanghai and the Tides of Change

City of Charm
Living in Modern History
Convergence of Chinese and Western Cultures
Combining Trend and Tradition
Man and Nature in Harmony
Shanghainese Character
City Spirit

The Rebuilding of a Modern International Metropolis
Prosperity of Yesteryear
The "Four Centers"
Revitalizing the City through Science and Education

City Expansion
Two Strides
Reconstrtruction of the Old City
Urbanization of the Outskirts

Better City, Better Life

Appendices