Begin a Bright Future: Tips for Moving to a City with a Rich History

Glenda Winders

Summary

The article â€œCity with a Past Moves into the Futureâ€ discusses the transformation of Los Angeles, California, from a city of mostly low-income residents to one of the world's most vibrant and diverse urban centers. It examines the effects of the city's rapid population growth on its local economy and culture, as well as how innovation and investment are transforming LA into a major global center for commerce, entertainment, and culture.

Los Angeles has experienced an unprecedented population growth over the past two decades, largely because of an influx of immigrants from countries around the world. This has led to a dramatic increase in the city's economic and cultural diversity, with different cultures and industries creating a unique melting pot. Furthermore, the population boom has spurred investment and growth in the local economy, with large corporations, small businesses, and tech companies all establishing a presence in LA.

At the same time, the city is shifting its focus to sustainability, with an emphasis on protecting the environment and promoting smart growth. Those efforts include the construction of public transportation systems, renewable energy projects, and other initiatives aimed at creating a cleaner, more livable city. Additionally, the city is investing in education and job training programs, as well as initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and crime.

As Los Angeles continues to evolve, the city remains dedicated to its past, preserving the historic architecture that makes it unique. Additionally, the city is committed to embracing its future, investing in technology and innovation to create a vibrant and sustainable urban center. With its rich history, diverse population, and commitment to the future, Los Angeles is transforming into a global force to be reckoned with.

City With a Past Moves Into the Future

The city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a city with a rich history. Founded in 1682 by William Penn, Philadelphia has long been a hub for American Revolution and the founding of the United States. With a population of over 1.5 million people, Philadelphia is the sixth-largest city in the United States and the largest city in Pennsylvania.

Today, Philadelphia is a thriving city with a diverse population, vibrant economy, and a thriving cultural scene. It is the home of many world-renowned institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. As a major metropolitan city, Philadelphia is home to over 17 Fortune 500 companies, including Aramark, Comcast, and CIGNA.

Philadelphia has experienced a revitalization over the past decade, with the development of new public parks, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The city has become a hub for the arts, with numerous galleries, museums, and performing arts centers. Additionally, Philadelphia has seen an increase in infrastructure and population growth, making it an attractive destination for businesses and residents.

The city of Philadelphia is committed to improving the quality of life for its citizens. The city has launched initiatives to create economic opportunity, reduce poverty, and increase access to health care and education. The Philadelphia Housing Authority has implemented a comprehensive housing plan to provide affordable housing for all residents.

Philadelphia has also taken steps to become a leader in sustainability and renewable energy. The city has put in place policies to reduce emissions and increase investments in renewable energy sources. The city has also established green infrastructure projects, such as green roofs and bike lanes, to promote active transportation and reduce pollution.

<<Before my husband and I left for China, a friend described Shanghai as "Manhattan on speed," and looking out over this home of 33 million people from atop the 88-story Jin Mao Tower, we could see exactly what he meant. In the past 14 years, 285 new high-rises have gone up in an already cram-packed city. Its busy skyline is made even more dramatic by the colorful, futuristic Oriental Pearl TV Tower on the waterfront, which is called the Bund.

In many places, the city's rich history bumps up against modern industry and technology. Austere Stalinist architecture reminiscent of China's close ties with Russia during the Communist Revolution is rivaled by such ultra-modern edifices as the Shanghai Science and Technology Exhibition, where 18 different areas teach visitors about the natural sciences and technology.

Because of the vast and ever-growing population, a magnetic levitation rail system is under construction that will alleviate the gridlock expected in 2010. Home of NBA star Yao Ming, the city boasts 500 basketball courts and 280 soccer fields. Life expectancy has reached that of fully developed countries, and drinkable tap water - today unavailable anywhere in China - will become a reality by 2008. This is truly a city on the move.

<<To get a feel for the city's past as well as its present, we began with the Shanghai Museum, one of the biggest art museums in China. Its 120,000 pieces are housed in a square building with a round top to represent the confluence of heaven and Earth. The four floors of galleries contain paintings, ceramics, bronzes, sculpture, calligraphy, jade, coins and furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. State-of-the-art lighting turns on only when it senses a viewer is approaching, thus protecting centuries-old artifacts. One multipart exhibit explains from start to finish how porcelain is made.

The museum isn't the only building in Shanghai to employ the principles of Chinese geomancy in its architecture. The Hongkou Soccer Stadium is built to resemble a Chinese money-saving box with an opening in the roof to allow good health to come in from heaven. The sword-shaped Jin Mao Tower is surrounded by round buildings to mitigate its sharp edges. When I asked a local if architects were influenced by feng shui, she explained that the communist government frowns on superstition and religion. Then, her voice lowered, she said, "Having said that, we ARE Chinese."

<<The fact is, however, that several religious faiths do thrive in Shanghai. Xujiahui Catholic Cathedral, the biggest Catholic church in China, was built in 1904 and survived the Cultural Revolution, when Red Guards wanted to destroy it in line with Karl Marx's dictum that "Religion is the opiate of the people." During World War II, Shanghai welcomed Jewish refugees from Europe, and Buddhist and Islamic faiths are also represented.

As Beijing is known for its cloisonne and Xi'an for its pottery, Shanghai is famous for its silk, so any attempt to know the city must include a visit to a silk factory. My tour included a stop at the Tian Hou Silk Co. and a real education about how silk is made. We began by watching how silk is extracted from the cocoons of silkworms and spun into threads. Then we progressed to a room where groups of four workers stretched wads of silk into large filmy squares that would eventually become clothing, comforters and other household items. Naturally there was a showroom filled with silk items for visitors to purchase and take home.

<<Another stop took us to the Jin Xiu Carpet Factory. In one area we saw how the patterns, which take about 12 days to create, are designed. A factory representative explained that the most popular ones are the peony, which represents health and wealth, the phoenix for kindness and the dragon for power. Some depict arts. One called "the four gentlemen" depicts plants that flourish in adversity.

In another area of the factory, workers wove the silk threads into rugs by hand. Our guide explained that small fingers and good eyesight are qualifications for the job, with most workers being women between the ages of 18 and 45. An intricate design can take up to 18 months to complete, and the rugs are said to last at least 75 years.

<<"People want to know that when they're reincarnated, the rugs will still be there," said Zheng Wan Ming, who was escorting our group, with a laugh.

Shanghai is also the largest center for Chinese acrobats. At the Shanghai Center Theater, we saw a show that would rival any Western production. Teenagers and young adults performed backbends and contortionist maneuvers that seemed physically impossible. In one display a young woman balanced a crystal chandelier on her midriff while doing her act. In another several acrobats stood on their hands atop a precariously balanced stack of chairs.

Cultural training begins early in Shanghai.

"Chinese want children to develop morally, intellectually and physically," Zheng said.

<<To that end, many attend the Children's Palace, an after-school enrichment facility founded after the Cultural Revolution in 1953 by Soong Ching Ling, the wife of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. Several times a week, gifted children between the ages of 7 and 15 take part in extracurricular activities that include literature, science, sports and music. They also work on language so that each child can speak at least seven dialects. Especially talented children are groomed here for attending university later on. The children sometimes put on performances to which the public is welcome. The day we were there we watched a class read with their teacher and sat in on the piano lesson of a 6-year-old who played like a pro and wasn't in the least rattled by having an audience.

On our last day in Shanghai, we took a walk through the Jing An Park near our hotel. Even this serene, manicured green space was alive with activity. Large groups of men and women practiced tai chi and qi gong. Others walked, jogged and bicycled.

<<Later that day, en route to the airport, I asked Zheng how he would characterize the people of this modern, energetic metropolis.

"They're open-minded and well-educated," he said. "They do it. They achieve."

IF YOU GO

We traveled with Pacific Delight Tours ( www.pacificdelighttours.com or 800-221-7179). They were one of the first groups to provide tours of China, and their guides are among the most knowledgeable.

Glenda Winders is the editorial director for Copley News Service.