Haipai

Haipai(Chinese:Hải phái,Shanghainese:hepha,Wu Chinese pronunciation:[hē̞pʰä́];literally"[Shang]hai style") refers to theavant-gardebut unique "East Meets West" culture fromShanghaiin the 20th and 21st centuries. It is a part of theculture of Shanghai.

Etymology

The term was coined by a group of Beijing writers in 1920 to criticize some Shanghai scholars and the styles of embracing or admiring western capitalism and western culture.The nameHaipaioriginally came from painting and drama.According toHistory of Chinese Painting,which was published in 1937, "During Emperor Tongzhi's and Guangxu's reign in the Qing Dynasty, most Chinese painters lived in Shanghai and made a living by selling paintings. In order to make profits, painters catered to vulgar public taste. Their paintings gradually demonstratedHaipaistyle. "In addition, performers of Peking opera regarded Beijing as the authority of China and they referred to cities outside Beijing asHaipai.At that timeHaipaiwas used by scholars with contempt, as it represented unorthodox and vulgar culture. However, the meaning ofHaipaihas gradually changed during the following years andHaipaiculture has become one of the most charming cultural styles in China.Haipaiis "rebellious" whileJingpai(literally "Beijing style" ) is "traditional". They represent two opposing kinds of Chinese cultures and still have profound influence.

1884 map of Shanghai with foreign concessions: the British Concession in blue, the French Concession to the south in faded red and American Concession to the north in faded orange; Chinese part of the city to the south of the French Concession in faded yellow.

In modern China,Haipaiculture doesn't cease or lose its attraction. On the contrary, it continues to influence modern Chinese culture. In contemporary terms,Haipaiculture is seen as the symbol of diversity and inclusiveness, a special style which boasts for bothorientalismandwestern culture.After 1949, Shanghai has become the cultural and artistic center in the eastern coastal area in China.

Development

Emergence: 1920s–1930s

Haipaiculture, the root of Shanghai city, came from the 1920s and 1930s. Beforecolonization(1843), Shanghai culture was mainly influenced and shaped by the ancient kingdoms of Wu and Yue (districts of now Jiangsu and Zhe gian g Provinces). Following the defeat of China in theFirst Opium Warby theBritish Empire,several ports were opened to foreign trade includingShanghai.After the issue ofNanjing Treatyin 1843, small enclaves were formed and ruled by foreign settlements (see picture). In those districts, Shanghai opened to modern urban facilities, science, and technology, as well as foreign culture. With the combination and conflict of traditional Chinese and Western culture,Haipaiculture appeared during this period.

Prosperity: 1930s–1950s

During this period,Haipaiculture developed rapidly mainly due to the following three historical reasons. First, Shanghai was one of the first five Chinese cities that opened to the outside world. Shanghai was involved in the western capital system after its opening up and became the forerunner of Chinese modernization. The economic prosperity led to the growth of other industries, which include cultural industry. Second, Shanghai was a city of migrants and it attracted many immigrants domestically and internationally after 1843.Population growth infused great vitality into the production and consumption of cultural products. In addition,Haipaiculture was inclusive and open to diversity because of the various cultural backgrounds of its citizens. Third, Shanghai concession was the biggest one in China at that time and it exerted a profound influence in the development ofHaipaiculture.The power of Chinese feudal government was weak in Shanghai concession, which actually paved way for theNew Culture Movementand subsequent cultural innovation.

Transition: 1950s–1980s

After the establishment ofPeople's Republic of China,Beijingwas made the capital of China. Some cultural industries likeCommercial Pressmoved to Beijing. In addition, many famous writers such asGuo Moruo,Mao Dun,andCao Yuleft Shanghai and resettled in Beijing.Haipaiculture faced challenge and decline at this time. In addition, during 1966 and 1976, ten years'Cultural Revolutionprevented cultural development and damaged the entire Chinese culture, which includesHaipaiculture.

Renaissance: 1980s–present

The Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee marked the official end of the Cultural Revolution and gradually resumed regular cultural activities. DramaIn Silenceand novelThe Scar,which was written by Lu Xinhua, represented the new development ofHaipaiculture.In modern China, many famous Shanghai writers such asHan HanandGuo Jingminghave become the spiritual flags among the young generation.Haipaiculture has regained its vitality and has become more mature.

Two women wearing cheongsam in a 1930s Shanghai advertisement.

Characteristics

Innovation

Due to its special geographic location, Shanghai became the forerunner to embrace novel styles, including new changes in values, behaviors, academy, fashion, and customs.Haipaiculture is "rebellious" against traditional conventions and is "bold" in innovation.

This painting portrays the Goddess of the Luo River ( Lạc Thần ) among lush plants in the watery depths of her domain.

During the 19th century, various new cultural undertakings and industries started in Shanghai.Haipaiculture was seen as the cradle of innovation. For example, Shanghai witnessed the first modern English newspaperNorth China Herald,the first museum, the first women's college, the first cinema, etc.

Inclusiveness

After the opening up, massive numbers of immigrants came to Shanghai and brought their cultures to the city, which integrated Western cultures into the regional Shanghai style. The integration gave rise to the inclusiveHaipaiculture. In fashion, for example,Qi Pao(also known asCheongsam) was the most popular dress for women during the 1920s and 1930s. Influenced by Western aesthetic standards, traditional Chinese qipao was shortened and became more fit (see picture). This "improved Qi Pao" soon led the fashion trend in China. Painting is another example: after 1843, painters combined traditional Chinese painting skills with the Western structural methods and color establishment. Their bold and unrestrained works, which included flower-bird paintings, landscape paintings, and character paintings, gained great popularity among ordinary people. The representative painters include Ren Xiong, Wu Changshuo, Ren Bonian, and Zhao Zhiqian.

Commercialism

Shanghai is a typical commercial city in China. Therefore, all cultural industries such as painting, singing, dancing, performing are also organized as commercial activities. One of the famous Chinese writersLu Xunonce remarked that "Jingpaiis bureaucracy andHaipaiis commercialism ",which fully illustrated the commercial character ofHaipaiculture.Haipaiculture targeted more at the need of the market and the common people, which brought a great impact on the elite culture. For example, after 1919, some new literary schools such as Love Birds and Butterfly School, New Sensation School emerged in Shanghai. Their works mainly focused on the romance between men and women and celebratedhedonismandmaterialism.

See also

• Shanghainese people
• Shanghainese language

Haipai architecture

• Shikumen
• Longtang

Haipai arts

• Shanghai School (painting)
• Shanghai-style papercutting
• Shanghai opera

Cuisine styles of Shanghai

• Shanghainese cuisine
• Haipai cuisine

Related cultures

• Wuyue culture
• Chinese culture

References

• Said, E. W., "Orientalism: Western Conceptions of the Orient," London, Pantheon, 1978.