Shanghai: China's Economic Powerhouse

How this city happens to be the WEALTHIEST in China

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation:24.9 million
How this city happens to be the WEALTHIEST in China
Rafa Goes Around!2024-08-3112 min

A city of 25 million people, with more than 25000 buildings standing 12 floors or more, it has more high rises than anywhere else. It is also the most important economic engine in China, and right here the pace of civilizational transformation is more evident than anywhere else. A seductive display of China’s power, this is Shanghai.

--- Rafa Goes Around!
August 31, 2024, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Shanghai introduction
  2. 0:46Shanghai Skyline
  3. 1:40Shanghai's past
  4. 2:47Pudong area
  5. 3:30Shanghai Tower
  6. 5:05Fome Foundation
  7. 6:12Shanghai Library East
  8. 6:46Jing'an Apple Store
  9. 8:311000 Trees development
  10. 9:43Oriental Pearl Tower
  11. 10:20Shanghai's green spaces

Rafa Goes Around! discovers Shanghai's stunning modern architecture, a captivating blend of old and new, leaving a lasting impression of the city's dynamic energy and ambitious vision.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1To understand Shanghai's present, it's essential to understand its past. In the early 1990s, local leaders recognized the opportunities presented by opening up the country to foreign investment. They declared Shanghai would be the "dragon's head" of China's modernization. (1:40)
  2. Tip 2Shanghai's economic growth between the 1990s and 2010s was remarkable, averaging between 7 and 15% annually. This rapid growth transformed the city into a booming metropolis. (2:14)
  3. Tip 3The Shanghai Tower is a remarkable building with incredibly fast elevators and the world's highest observation deck. It's also designed to be one of the most sustainable megatall skyscrapers. (3:30)
  4. Tip 4The Fome Foundation, opened in 2019 and designed by Foster + Partners, is a striking landmark with a unique moving facade that changes its form throughout the day. The facade is designed to resemble bamboo, a typical element of Chinese culture. (5:05)
  5. Tip 5The 1000 Trees development in Shanghai is a mixed-use development that blends nature and urban living. It's located along the Suzhou Creek and is a great example of architecture harmonizing with the environment. (8:31)
  6. Tip 6Shanghai is not just concrete and glass; it's a green city with many projects to mitigate the threats of global warming and flooding. Initiatives include 'sponge city' parks for flood control and water treatment, and extensive tree planting. (10:20)

Rafa Goes Around! explores the breathtaking modern architecture of Shanghai, China, a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with its futuristic skyline. From iconic skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower to innovative designs such as the 1000 Trees development, the video showcases Shanghai's remarkable urban transformation. Rafa's journey highlights the city's ambition and its commitment to creating spaces that foster innovation and cultural exchange, offering viewers a captivating glimpse into one of the world's most dynamic metropolises.

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How this city happens to be the WEALTHIEST in China

This video by Rafa Goes Around! showcases Shanghai, China's wealthiest city, focusing on its remarkable modern architecture and rapid urban development. The narrator details Shanghai's transformation from the early 1990s, highlighting how local leaders capitalized on economic opportunities, leading to unprecedented growth. The city's skyline, a testament to this growth, features iconic buildings like the Shanghai Tower, the tallest in China at the time of filming, and the Oriental Pearl Tower.

The video also explores the architectural marvels of the Pudong area, including the Shanghai Finance Center and the Jing'an Temple area's Apple Store, a stunning example of harmonious integration between modern commercial architecture and historical surroundings. Rafa Goes Around! highlights buildings designed by renowned architects, such as the Fome Foundation by Foster + Partners, a building with a unique moving facade.

Beyond the skyscrapers, the video delves into Shanghai's commitment to sustainability and green spaces, showcasing projects like the 'sponge city' initiative that addresses flood control and water treatment. The narrator emphasizes the city's dedication to creating spaces that foster innovation, cultural exchange, and community engagement. Rafa Goes Around! concludes by encouraging viewers to follow his journey documenting life in China, providing a personal and engaging perspective on this extraordinary city's unique architectural landscape.

Shanghai: China's Economic Powerhouse

A city of 25 million people, with more than 25000 buildings standing 12 floors or more, it has more high rises than anywhere else. It is also the most important economic engine in China, and right here the pace of civilizational transformation is more evident than anywhere else, A seductive display...

Shanghai Architecture: Modern Marvels & Urban Transformation

Discover the awe-inspiring Shanghai, China's wealthiest city! With over 25,000 buildings towering 12 floors or more, it boasts an unparalleled skyline. Experience the pulse of China's economic powerhouse, where modernization is palpable. Shanghai's captivating display of power and progress will leave you breathless.

Attractions in this video: Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, Jing An Temple, 1000 Trees Development, Shanghai Library East, Shanghai Astronomy Museum