Shanghai
Shanghai is a paradox, both an anachronism and a look towards the future. The Pearl of the Orient has a rich history, replete with multiculturalism and international intrigue. After the Communist takeover, Shanghai hibernated, before beginning to reemerge in the past decade. Since Deng Xiaoping proclaimed Shanghai to be the head of the new Chinese dragon, the city has undergone a complete facelift, with a booming economy that accounts for nearly twenty percent of China's gross national product.
These happy days are reminiscent of Shanghai's past. The city was divided up into small, independent, autonomous concessions, with a British section, a French section, and an American section. While part of Shanghai remained Chinese, many locals chose to interact with the Westerners, and Shanghai became known as the Paris of the East. The Communist Party was born in Shanghai, and after it came to power in 1949, the city closed its doors to the outside world until recently.
Sixteen million people call Shanghai home today. The city is poised to become China's international face of the future, and a construction boom is fueling that feeling. The Pudong New Area is being transformed from farmland into the city's economic center. Shanghai's stock market is found here, along with some of the tallest buildings in the entire world. In just fifteen years, the number of high-rise office buildings has increased tenfold, and that number is still growing. This burgeoning economy has again attracted people from around the world, allowing the old spirit of Shanghai to re-infect people. The city has come full circle.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a city focused on peace. Painful scars still remain from World War Two, and Hiroshima's citizens make every effort to heal the physical and emotional trauma that is still present. Peace Memorial Park is the most popular tourist site in Hiroshima, as it commemorates both the destruction caused by the atomic bombing of 1945 and the triumph of spirit of Hiroshima's people that followed. The area has been rebuilt beautifully, and laced throughout the buildings and high-rises are lakes, parks, and fabulous museums that are sure to capture your heart. The population of this bustling yet tranquil city is one million, and both car and shipbuilding are highly promoted industries here. Hiroshima is on the rise, and now is the perfect time to visit. There are a number of exquisite restaurants and art expos to be found in the city. There are three wonderful museums in Hiroshima that are dedicated to art, and both the modern and ancient art displays are amazing. The Hiroshima Castle is a dazzling work of architecture, and this building is made all the more impressive because it was basically demolished in the bombing, and yet it is more remarkable today than ever. Unfortunately, the majority of the great landmarks, historical sights, museums, and nature areas were virtually brought to ruin in 1945. However, through intense work by the citizens and the government, the area has been restored beautifully. Nearly all of the locations that were so terribly damaged now appear to have been undisturbed.
The people of Hiroshima are not quick to forget the destruction and casualties that befell their city as a result of the bombing. Yet the citizens are known for their friendliness and acceptance, and they are quick to help you if you have a question or a problem. The service inside the restaurants is great, and nearly everyone speaks English. Formerly a war-torn city, Hiroshima has rebounded into a glorious destination full of extravagant sights and relaxing environments.
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