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The hidden history behind Shanghai's name: Do you know its earliest name?
Shanghai, one of the most populated cities in China, has a long and rich history. However, as for the origin of this name, few people are able to gain insight into the story behind it. The name Shanghai is made up of two Chinese characters, “上” (Shang) and “海” (Hai), which together mean “on the sea”. But this is not the only name of this city. There have been many other names in history, reflecting its development and changes.
Origin of the name
According to historical records, the name "Shanghai" first appeared in the 11th century during the Song Dynasty, but some scholars believe that Shanghai was mentioned in documents as early as 2,150 years ago, when it was just a small fishing village.
In 1280, the word "Shanghai" was officially named, which translates to "on the sea". Some scholars believe that this is because Shanghai at that time was in a low-lying area, almost below sea level, and the city looked like it was on the sea.
Historical Aliases
If we explore further, we will find that Shanghai has many nicknames in history, such as "Shencheng", which originated from Chunshen Jun, the monarch of the Chu State, and "Huating", which represents a county in the Tang Dynasty. As for the "Magic City" often mentioned by young people today, it originated from a 1924 novel by Japanese writer Junpei Muramatsu, which describes Shanghai as a city where light and darkness coexist. Such a name and image make people wonder whether Shanghai has always been a city full of complex emotions?
Evolution from ancient times to modern times
When we look back at the development of Shanghai, we can see that it has gradually grown from a fishing village to a commercial hub. During the Tang Dynasty, trade activities here began to flourish.
By the end of the Song Dynasty, Shanghai had risen from a small village to an important market town, and the Ming and Qing dynasties saw further prosperity, with the construction of city walls and the establishment of temples in the urban area, raising the city's status.
Modern Turning Point
In the 19th century, with the outbreak of the Opium War, Shanghai was forced to open as a trading port and became a target of foreign powers. Since then, Shanghai has experienced the creation of foreign concessions and has become a crossroads of China's economy and culture. During this period of history, the integration of "Shen" and "Hai" has become increasingly stronger. Shanghai is no longer just a geographical name, but has become a symbol of culture and economy.
The city gradually developed into the commercial and financial center of East Asia, and its cultural diversity also earned Shanghai the title of "Paris of the Far East".
Present and Future
Today, Shanghai is not only the economic center of China, but also one of the busiest ports in the world. Of course, its glorious past is still reflected in the city's architecture, culture and cuisine. As the city develops, the meaning of Shanghai's name is also constantly evolving. In every corner, there are traces of history and modern vitality. The name Shanghai seems to constantly remind everyone who comes here: the history here has never disappeared, but has been intertwined between the new and the old, giving the city new life.
In the future, how will Shanghai integrate with this long history and continue to shine on the global stage?
