We've heard the China Pavilion called everything from a grand symbol of the country's power to an overwrought and boringly simplistic copy of traditional Chinese architecture. Whatever you may think of it, it's now here - perhaps to stay? Urbanatomy has an informative interview about the man behind the pavilion, He Jingtang, dean of the South China University of Technology Architectural Design and Research Institute, whose team’s bid beat that of over 340 other applicants. more ›

This is an advertisement. Candidate should have the editorial, writing and project management skills required to take a piloting role in a new magazine. An interest in family/kids issues (schools, health, and recreation) is essential. The successful candidate will also have the talents and personality suited to team work, rigid schedules, and a varied task load. Dedication, flexibility, and imagination will be highly appreciated. Please send a cover letter, resume and writing samples to hr@urbanatomy.com. A full job description is available upon request. More job ads. Information on how to place a job ad. more ›

• Speak2Me, an online English language learning community, has made an agreement to create a language training program for the 80,000 plus Expo volunteers and guides that will be working this May. It would be scary interesting to have loads of volunteers running around speaking like the Speak2Me virtual teacher. [CNNMoney]
• All Roads Lead to China has some ideas about making the People's Square Station less of a hell for commuters. For instance: more maps. [All Roads Lead to China]
• Shanghai's Disneyland has been downsized from 400 hectares to 116 hectares, the smallest Disney park in the world. We've all been a bit schizophrenic reporting Shanghai's Disneyland: plans seem to change faster than you can say mǐ lǎo shǔ (yup, that's Mickey Mouse in Chinese). [ChinaDaily]
• Need something to read? Next time before you plough down to Garden Books check out Urbanatomy's web exclusives featuring authors. The feature is a great insight into the minds of contemporary writers writing about Chinese culture. Their latest is features Nicole Mones, author of The Last Chinese Chef. [Urbanatomy]

The folks at Urbanatomy have a great feature up on this very important date in history: when the Communists and Nationalists clashed in this fair city, completely altering its fate forever. It was this day that the Nationalists' final line of defense, up along Suzhou Creek, collapsed. Roughly five months later, Mao Zedong would proclaim the establishment of the People's Republic of China. more ›

And what's more you can vote for us! Yep, That's have opened voting for their annual awards with a whole range of categories from Best Band to Shanghai Hero. There's also a Best of the Web category where this humble blog has received a nomination. Click here to get voting. more ›

Zachary Mexico's first book, China Underground, just came out this month. It's an edgy look at margins of modern China—and it's a real page-turner. Mexico mixes it up with the masses, returning with sixteen tales of unique individuals "trying to figure out what's going on, trying to carve a place out for themselves in the new China." more ›

Yet. For those who like to keep up to date on Shanghai-English-language-website news — yes, all three of you — head on over to Urbanatomy.com. That's the future home of a new website from the folks at That's Shanghai. And if Urbanatomy.com is as half as good as thatssh.com ... someone seriously needs to be fired over there, because thatssh.com is really quite awful. But they know that — hence the new site. But why... more ›