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As with most of modern Shanghai, the territory of Yangpu has been formed by sediments deposited by the Yangzi River over many centuries. It was probably in the shallows of the East China Sea as late as the late Tang Dynasty. During the Northern Song the Wuyu River (吴淤江) entered the sea somewhere around modern Wujiaochang (五角场). Daoist and Buddhist temples are known to have been established in the vicinity around this time. In 1404 the Huangpu River shifted to its present course, entering the Yangzi River around Wusongkou (吴淞口). Toward the end of the Ming Dynasty villages along the river flourished, engaging in agriculture, banking, textiles and water-bourne trade.
In 1842 the Treaty of Nanjing saw the opening of Shanghai as a treaty port. In 1899, 10.89 kmē of what is now the south of modern Yangpu District was partitioned to become part of the International Settlement. Factories were constructed soon after in the area, especially along Yangsupu Road. In 1929, the farmer's market Wujiaochang ("Pentagon Square") was constructed in the north. Later, during the Japanese occupation from 1937-45, barracks and houses were built in the area. In December 1944, Yangsupu District was established with an area of 7.7kmē. Its area was increased progressively after 1949. The present territory of Yangpu District was formed after the incorporation of Wujiaochang in 1984.
To the east, the Yangpu Bridge and newly constructed underground tunnel across the Huangpu River gives access to Pudong New Area and the newly constructed Pudong International Airport, which is 15.5 km away.
The inner-ring road crosses Yangpu.
The elevated train connects the west of Yangpu to the suburbs of Shanghai. Currently the subway is also being expanded.
The industrial wharves along the Huangpu which service the industrial centres of Yangpu are being phased out by residential developments on the waterfront.
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