Shanghai is seen as a“global business hub ”and it is only a matter of time before it becomesthe“New York of the East”. The city has a population of close to 17 million which underlies itsimmense market potential. Depending on their spending powers, Shanghainese from differentstrata of society can take their pick from a wide range of choices — from paying three yuan for abowl of traditional la mian to 20 yuan for a cup of cappuccino. Businesses can thus find a niche forthemselves1 by catering to the needs of different groups of consumers.

　　First-time visitors to Shanghai will invariably first be captivated by the soaring skyscrapers thatsymbolise the metropolis’wealth and glamour. Across the skyline of Puxi is China’s tallest building —the 88 -storey Jin Mao Tower — in Pudong New Area .

　　The towering skyscrapers are signs of Shanghai's prosperity and the magnets that attract bothlocal and foreign talent to converge on the metropolis. On the other hand, people are spoilt forchoice by the variety of recreational and entertainment2 activities that demonstrate howcolourful and interesting life is in Shanghai. It is no wonder that3 Chinese and overseas tourists areflocking to the city. The vast variety of merchandise alone may not be enough to make thetourists come back. But meticulous and excellent service will. The Shanghainese whom you see onthe street will remind you of the congestion and apathy typical of a thriving city. Yet, step into anyfast-food restaurant and you will be greeted with warm and friendly service from young waiters andwaitresses. They will make you rethink what makes the city tick.

　　Just raise your hand and no matter how busy the waiters and waitresses are , someone will attendto you with a reply:“Right away! ”They speak clearly and know their job well and I’m only talkingabout ordinary service personnel4. This is a good indication of how competitive the young peoplein Shanghai are. Well, I did not come into contact with that many young people in Shanghai duringmy trip, but those whom I’ve met at fast-food restaurants and cafes no doubt struck me as highly-efficient, quick-thinking and full of drive5 . Young Singaporeans seem to lack the astuteness anddynamism that they possess.

　　It is true that a people's character is, to a great extent, shaped by the environment they live in.But if we rest on our laurels, we risk losing our vitality. And a city with little life will not be able toattract tourists, let alone retain its talent.

　　練習題：

　　Ⅰ. Fill in the bla nks with words from the passage:

　　1. Shanghainese from different can take their pick from a wide range of choices.

　　2. Businesses can thus find a niche for themselves by different groups of consumers.

　　3. Not surprisingly, tourists recognise it at once as a shoppers’paradise.

　　4. The Shanghainese whom you see on the street will remind you of thetypical of a city.

　　5. Young Singaporeans seem to lack the that they possess.

　　Ⅱ. Question :

　　Why does the author feel necessary to mention Jinmao Tower?