First battle a turning point for Shanghai

As a foreigner living in Shanghai, I’ll be the first to admit that my knowledge of this city’s history is lacking, to put it lightly.

With the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Shanghai fast approaching, I thought it was high time to check out some of the struggles my new home went through not even a century ago.

I headed to Baoshan District, where the first shots rang out that launched the 16-day Battle of Shanghai which would end, ultimately, in the People’s Liberation Army taking over the city.

It all began at Baoshan’s Yuepu Park which, today, is as beautiful and quiet as any park. But on the evening of May 12, 1949, it was a different story.

Watch my video above and join me as I explore Yuepu Park, the Shanghai Liberation Memorial Hall, and the Baoshan Martyrs Cemetery.