Shanghai: The Story of China’s Most Dynamic City – Michael Dillon
A comprehensive new history of Shanghai, revealing its vital place in Chinese history and politics across the centuries
A wide-ranging and accessible history of Shanghai, charting its transformation into one of the world’s most dynamic urban centres and exploring its significance within China’s architectural, economic and political development.
Home to over 25 million people, Shanghai stands as a global metropolis where tradition and modernity collide. A gateway between China and the wider world, the city has emerged as a powerhouse of innovation and finance—marked by striking contrasts in its built environment, from historic quarters to cutting-edge skyscrapers.
Michael Dillon traces Shanghai’s evolution from a modest fishing settlement to a major financial and cultural hub. Along the way, he examines the profound impact of colonial concessions, the city’s role in the emergence of the Chinese Communist Party, and its continuing influence on China’s future.
Rich in historical insight and urban context, this engaging volume will appeal to readers interested in architecture, global cities and urban transformation—an illuminating addition to any architectural bookshop’s collection, here in Scotland and beyond.
Author: Michael Dillon
Publisher: Yale University Press
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780300270631
Publication date: June 2026