In the 1920s and 30s, Shanghai was a favorite destination among China's northern neighbors, the Russians. The Russian influence on the city can be seen in structures such as the Russian Consulate on the bank of the Huangpu River and the stone sculpture of the great poet Alexander Pushkin on Yueyang Road.

The bust of Alexander Pushkin was first erected on February 10, 1937 by Russian nationals in memory of the 100th anniversary of the poet's death. The sculpture was destroyed in November 1944 during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45) and rebuilt in 1947. But in 1966, the bust was destroyed once more during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76). The reform and opening up beginning in 1978 brought a new era of sculpting to the city. A large sum of money was appropriated to promote local sculptural constructions across China, with Shanghai receiving the largest sum. After some deliberation, it was decided the Pushkin monument would be rebuilt. In August 1987, the 150th anniversary of Pushkin's death, the statue was erected for the third time in its original location.

The magnificent urban architecture and tourist attractions seen during the day are just one side of the city. Once the sun sets, Shanghai becomes an even more special and attractive place.