Reference News Network, December 31 report: The Spanish newspaper "El Mundo" website published on December 26 a report by journalist Lucas De La Cal from Shanghai, titled "Shanghai, the City of the Year: Birthplace of the Communist Party, the Perfect Showcase of China's Rise Today." The following is the compiled translation:

Xin Tian Di, like a microcosm of Shanghai, a city in China. This vibrant district located at the core of Asia's economic engine seeks a delicate balance between historical memory, state power, and modernity. Four years ago, "Xin Tian Di" was just the name of a subway station, with high-end Western restaurants, boutiques, and bars surrounding it. Now, the subway station has been renamed "First National Congress Site - Xin Tian Di Station."

The visual core of Xin Tian Di is the Shikumen buildings. These traditional residences are characterized by stone walls, narrow courtyards, and wooden frameworks. In 1921, 13 revolutionary intellectuals secretly gathered in one of these Shikumen residences to prepare for the establishment of a new political party.

For a long time, Shanghai has presented an image to the world as the economic center of contemporary China. It is China's most refined "showcase," integrating history, revolution, and economic miracles. Shanghai's infrastructure is not only visually appealing but also highly efficient, with technology deeply integrated into daily life.

The author of this article has lived in Shanghai for more than two years. He has personally experienced facial recognition payment when shopping in some supermarkets. Sometimes he takes autonomous driving taxis, and when returning from the airport, he takes a maglev train that can reach speeds of up to 430 kilometers per hour. Recently, the neighborhood where the author lives occasionally sees a new type of security patrol equipment: a four-legged robot equipped with facial recognition systems. The author also has an 80-year-old neighbor with mobility issues who walks long distances every morning with the help of an exoskeleton robot.

"Shanghai has always been the vanguard of China. It is one of the largest experimental fields in the world: a large society rapidly moving from poverty to wealth in a short period of time. Many things happening here will shape the future," said Argentine writer Lucila Cazal. She has lived in this financial hub for eight years.

"Shanghai has shown the world the modernization achievements achieved by China under the leadership of the Communist Party," said a local official at a recent forum discussing China's successful economic and governance models. Many analysts point out that such forums aim to enhance the appeal of the "Chinese brand." This year, achieving this goal has been particularly smooth, and China's charm offensive has been carried out in many places around the world.

Shanghai is usually a must-visit destination for leaders of other countries on business visits. When they visit, they often lead large delegations of company executives from their own countries. Part of Shanghai's success comes from its unique strategic location: at the mouth of the Yangtze River, directly facing the ocean. Shanghai has the world's largest container port and is a key logistics center for China's exports.

The high tariffs imposed by the U.S. government have not only failed to curb China's export momentum but seem to have accelerated the restructuring of Chinese factories. Today, China not only exports a large volume of traditional low-value-added goods to other markets, but also significantly increased exports of cars, electronic products, and heavy machinery.

Shanghai has become one of China's most important centers for scientific and technological innovation. This city has always been a major destination for foreign investment and is also home to an increasing number of start-ups focusing on artificial intelligence and robot technology.

Between revolutionary memories, patriotism, and technological aspirations lies one key to understanding Shanghai: it symbolizes how China hopes to be seen by the world, and more importantly, how it hopes to be understood by the world in the future. (Translated by Han Chao)

Original source: toutiao.com/article/7589846486151447082/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.