
China's drive into the 21st century has been fueled by the relationship
- & competition
- between Beijing, considered by some observers to be the capital of capitals in China, & Shanghai, the nation's economic growth engine. The political & cultural history of China, since 1850, has in many ways been shaped by Beijing's exercise of policy over what was once a small shipping port & fishing centre. In little more than a century, Shanghai has cast off these nets & is rising to be the region's leading economic metropolis, a position it seems determined to hold, this time with Beijing's blessing. As Beijing bounds forward to host the 2008 Olympics, its majesty, well-reflected in its cultural gems
- the Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven & the Ming Tombs, remains unfettered by the country's economic development. Observers & travellers alike will delight in seeing each city play out its colourful & dramatic role with the blessings of heaven & earth. Travellers to China must at some point visit both these dynamic cities. This vibrant new edition of Beijing & Shanghai brings readers up-to-date on what's hot & what's cool in China's twin cities. Combining the latest information about restoration, entertainment, transportation & accommodation with historical writing by acclaimed authors who describe each city's high & low moments, Beijing & Shanghai is the sophisticated guide to urban China that travellers have always wanted.