While many people see Shanghai as a financial hub, Geoffrey Alan Rhodes views the megacity as a major cosmopolitan art center that is undergoing "extreme and exciting" growth at the moment.

Rhodes, who teaches cultural heritage and new technology at USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, made the remarks in a video which is part of the "Shanghai Through Our Eyes" series produced by Xinmin Evening News to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China this year.

The Information Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government launched the series on April 8.

Rhodes noted that the thriving arts scene, which has seen a growing number of museums and galleries emerge over the past few years, would be useful in helping people learn more about China's modern history. The Memorial of the First National Congress of the CPC, Rhodes said, does exactly this.

Rhodes also said that he has been impressed by Shanghai's efforts and achievements in facilitating people's lives amid the pandemic. He added that he is grateful his young son is living in a city that has no lockdowns.

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