Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Non-Fiction 2017 | Page 55

investors. Since the increasingly wealthy, secured population were eager to pursue higher education,
artistic delights, and innovative enjoyments, people with a good sense of market needs started to think
of establishing other types of businesses, such as those for learning, art and entertainment. More and
more prestigious schools were established. More and more artists, actors and opera singers also migrated
to Shanghai. For example, Ren Yi managed to combine the characteristics of Chinese traditional art
with the special features of Western art, forming a unique Shanghai school (Hai Pai) style for Chinese
painting. In addition, a new theatre, with advanced special light and stage effects for Chinese opera, was
built in 1908 at the Little Eastern Gate. Even our founding father of the Republic of China, Sun
Yat-sen, enjoyed opera performances and gave some of his speeches in this theatre; however, this
theatre was burned and destroyed in a fire accident during the performance Zou Mai Cheng , in 1927.
The living style in Shanghai definitely became much more colorful, enlightened and
cosmopolitan. Its reputable educational institutes could attract more elites to be its new citizens. These
intelligent groups soon made the society even more advanced and wealthy. Additionally, a big group of
highly educated citizens made it possible for the city to develop tertiary industries like finance and
banking, transforming Shanghai into a national financial centre in China and the Far East in the early
20th century. As time went on, Shanghai grew into the incontestable metropolis we know it to be
today.
After my investigation, I realised that my Dad’s statement was true. Shanghai was truly the
heart of China. I am fully inspired to visit Shanghai again. Armed with my newfound knowledge, I will
be able to view this remarkable city with new eyes. From its humble beginnings as a small village, to a
world famous megacity, the evolution of this city was greatly blessed by nature, but also filled with
challenges. Challenges which could only be overcome by people’s courage, prudence, dedication, and
innovation. Those who contributed to the successful construction of this glorious city are definitely
worth our greatest admirations!