Shanghai is the largest and most populated city in China. Home to more than 26.32 million people in 2019. It is one of the world's most vibrant and dynamic cities. It is the economic powerhouse of China and has a key role in China's history and transformation. The Shanghai skyline is iconic. Few cities in the world can say that they have seen as much transformation as it has along it's scenic Huangpu River (Huángpǔ jiang 黄浦江). Shanghai has two key locations that best represent its dramatic change from colonial to communist city. These are the Bund (Wàitān 外滩) along the western bank of the Huangpu and the Lujiazui Financial District (Lùjiāzuǐ 陆家嘴) along the eastern bank.

Shanghai has a long and complicated history, this is reflected in some of it's key buildings. Examining the skyline along these two key areas provides context to understanding not just the impact of western colonisation on society but also Chinese resistance and modernisation on the fabric of the city.

First, let's start with a brief history of the city.