Read up on these bestsellers before you arrive. There are some great books about Shanghai and Chinese Fiction.
My Country My People
Lin Yutang (1936)
Written by the inventor of the Chinese printing press, this book is an exploration of the foundations of Chinese character. Though written more than 70 years ago it continues to be relevant today. My Country My People will help you understand the sometimes immense differences between Eastern and Western character.
One Billion Customers: Lessons from the Front Lines of Doing Business in China
James McGregor (2007)
This is an interesting read for those travelling to do business in China. One Billion Customers explores case studies, personalities and the lessons they offer.
What Does China Think?
Mark Leonard (2008)
A probing and detail-oriented investigation into the Chinese psyche. Leonard is a rising star in Western foreign policy circles and offers enlightening and surprising insights into intellectual and bureaucratic thinking in China.
Mao: The Unknown Story
Jung Chang & Jan Halliday (2005)
This is a controversial biography of Mao Zedong.
Building Shanghai: The Story of China’s Gateway
Edward Denison & Guang Yu Ren (2006)
Shanghai’s rapid growth and lack of coherent long-term planning is explored.
Shanghai: The Rise and Fall of a Decadent City
Stella Dong (2000)
This is an historical account of the decadent times of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
China Candid: The People on the People’s Republic of China
Sang Ye (2006)
A Chinese journalist’s interviews about life in modern-day China.