China's Biggest Cities

MITTER:

The years after 1989 had a great impact on two of China’s biggest cities, Beijing and

Shanghai. The changes in these two cities were reflective of the new changes in China. In contrast to the past where reform was destroying the old and replacing it with new ideas, the China after 1989 strived for a different kind of change. China now looked to relative economic liberalism, ambivalent nationalism, wanting to be accepted by the world while being free from their control at the same time.

In the 1990’s China was becoming more open and communicated and participated in wider world order. Although China tried to become more open, they were also careful. They still haven not forgotten the days under Western and Japanese rule. The people had many fears and among them were economic imperialism, fear that the US would block Chinese goods from their markets, and fear that outside powers would try to come between the unification of Taiwan with China. This common fear that the United States would try to stop China from becoming a super power of the East unified the people of China whether they were political leaders, scholars, or just regular citizens. The people’s collective fears were demonstrated in the struggle to become the host for the Olympic Games. The Olympics is the best excuse for a city to upgrade their city, however China took it to an even greater extent. Beijing spent the years before and after the Olympics to rebuild and renew its infrastructure. An extensive metro railway network was installed, strict anti-pollution laws were ensued, even international chain stores and restaurants were opened in the city. Beijing has made a substantial leap in modernizing itself but we also cannot forget about Shanghai. Shanghai was once the most modernized and international city in China that equaled other major cities like New York and Tokyo. In the 40 years that CCP ruled China, modernized