Shanghai on 79th Floor: Arriving at China's Richest City

China is one of the world’s oldest and most influential civilizations, with a history that stretches back thousands of years. It is a country where ancient traditions and modern innovation exist side by side, creating a unique atmosphere that feels both deeply historic and strikingly futuristic. From imperial landmarks and classical architecture to cutting-edge skylines and high-speed rail networks, China offers an impressive blend of heritage, progress, and national ambition.<br>As the world’s second-largest economy, China plays a major role in global trade, manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure. The country is known for its remarkable development over recent decades, lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and building some of the most advanced transportation systems in the world. Its high-speed rail network is the largest on Earth, connecting major cities with speed and efficiency, while its urban centers showcase major achievements in engineering, innovation, and public development.<br>China is also rich in cultural depth and diversity. Its cuisine is celebrated worldwide, its festivals are vibrant and meaningful, and its regional traditions vary greatly across the country’s vast landscape. From the Great Wall and the Forbidden City to the mountains, rivers, megacities, and historic towns, China presents extraordinary variety in both scenery and cultural identity. The country has made significant contributions to world civilization, including inventions such as paper, printing, gunpowder, and the compass.<br>What makes China especially fascinating is its sense of scale, confidence, and transformation. It is a nation that continues to invest heavily in science, technology, clean energy, infrastructure, and education, while...