Yangpu District (杨浦区), meaning "Willow Bank", is one of the 19 districts in Shanghai. It is located in the northeast of Shanghai, bordering the Huangpu River on the east and south, Hongkou District on the west and Baoshan District in the north. The southern part of Yangpu District is only 4 km away from the Bund. It is a major residential area, with land area of 60.73 km² and population of some 1.24 million. The whole district is divided administratively into 11 resident subdistricts and 1 town.

History

As with most of modern Shanghai, the territory of Yangpu has been formed by sediments deposited by the Yangtze River over many centuries. It was probably in the shallows of the East China Sea as late as the late Tang Dynasty. During the Northern Song the Wuyu River (吴淤江) entered the sea somewhere around modern Wujiaochang (五角场). Daoist and Buddhist temples are known to have been established in the vicinity around this time. In 1404 the Huangpu River shifted to its present course, entering the Yangtze River around Wusongkou (吴淞口). Toward the end of the Ming Dynasty villages along the river flourished, engaging in agriculture, banking, textiles and water-bourne trade.

In 1842 the Treaty of Nanjing saw the opening of Shanghai as a treaty port. In 1899, 10.89 km² of what is now the south of modern Yangpu District was partitioned to become part of the International Settlement. Factories were constructed soon after in the area, especially along Yangsupu Road. Textile, papermaking and shipbuilding industries were established by the early 20th century. In 1929, the farmer's market Wujiaochang ("Pentagon Square") was constructed in the north. Later, during the Japanese occupation from 1937-45, barracks and houses were built in the area. In December 1944, Yangsupu District was established with an area of 7.7km².

Its name was changed to Yangpu in 1949 and its area increased progressively afterwards. Over the next few decades, a number of neighbouring districts were abolished and annexed by Yangpu. During this time heavy industries became a characteristic part of Yangpu. The present territory of Yangpu District was formed after the incorporation of Wujiaochang District (then of Baoshan county) in 1984. In 1993 territories east of the Huangpu River were designated part of the Pudong New District.

Transport

To the east, the Yangpu Bridge and newly constructed underground tunnel across the Huangpu River gives access to Pudong New Area and the newly constructed Pudong International Airport, which is 15.5 km away.

The inner-ring road crosses Yangpu.

The elevated train connects the west of Yangpu to the suburbs of Shanghai. Currently the subway is also being expanded.

The industrial wharves along the Huangpu which service the industrial centres of Yangpu are being phased out by residential developments on the waterfront.

Education

Situated in northern Yangpu District are two of China's most distinguished universities, Fudan University and Tongji University.