by Mei, age 9, asks Shengdan Laoren do you come down the chimney?, about the Huangpu River, and why Shanghai is a major trading port
Dear Shengdan Laoren,
My name is Mei and I am 9 years old. I live in Shanghai, China, where the malls put up towering Christmas trees covered in lights, even though most of my friends do not have the day off school.
First, do you come down the chimney?
Second, a geography question: what river flows through the middle of Shanghai?
Third, a school question about my country: why is Shanghai known as such a major global trading port?
I left you moon cakes and green tea.
Love, Mei, age 9, Shanghai, China, Shanghai, China
From the Desk of Shengdan Laoren
Dear Mei, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you come down the chimney?
Not many chimneys in modern Chinese cities, so I mostly slip in through a door or window left just slightly open.
What river flows through the middle of Shanghai?
The Huangpu River cuts right through Shanghai, separating the historic Bund waterfront from the gleaming modern skyscrapers of Pudong on the opposite bank, and the lights reflected on the water make for a truly spectacular Christmas Eve view.
Why is Shanghai known as such a major global trading port?
Shanghai’s location near the mouth of the mighty Yangtze River made it a natural hub for trade for centuries, and it grew rapidly as an international port beginning in the 1800s. Today it remains one of the busiest shipping ports and financial centers in the entire world.
Sheng dan kuai le, Mei.
Ho ho ho, Shengdan Laoren
