Haipai

Haipai (海派; literally “Shanghai style”) refers to the avant-garde but unqiue "East Meets West" culture from Shanghai in the 20th and 21st centuries.

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 name Haipai originally came from painting and drama. According to History 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 demonstrated Haipai style.” In addition, performers of Peking opera regarded Beijing as the authority of China and they referred to cities outside Beijing as Haipai. At that time Haipai was used by scholars with contempt, as it represented unorthodox and vulgar culture. However, the meaning of Haipai has gradually changed during the following years and Haipai Culture has become one of the most charming cultural styles in China. Haipai is “rebellious” while Jingpai (literally “Beijing style”) is “traditional”. They represent two opposing kinds of Chinese cultures and still have profound influence.

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

Haipai culture, the root of Shanghai city, came from the 1920s and 1930s. Before colonization (1843), Shanghai culture was mainly influenced and shaped by the ancient kingdoms of Wu and Yue (districts of now Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces). Following the defeat of China in the First Opium War by the British Empire, several ports were opened to foreign trade including Shanghai. After the issue of Nanjing Treaty in 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, Haipai Culture appeared during this period.

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Wikipedia