Gangs of Shanghai: A walk with Spencer Dodington

DATE: Saturday, March 6
TIME: 10am registration; tour begins at 10:30am
COST: RMB 200

Please bring your SEA membership card

During the heady days of 1920s and 1930s Shanghai, Chiang Kai-shek's control of the city was in the hands of two main groups: the wealthy and the criminal. Wealthy merchants and foreign capitalists supported Chiang's KMT with the understanding that there would be no reforms that threatened their interests. The Shanghai criminal organizations were dominated by two secret society groups called the Green Gang and the Red Gang. One of Shanghai's most notorious mob bosses, Green gangster Du Yuesheng, plotted the expansion of his vast empire from a villa in the French Concession.Once Du's headquarters, the 70-year-old French Concession villa-now the meticulously restored 5-star boutique Mansion Hotel-will mark the start of Spencer's walk in this central section of the Concession. He will talk about the days when "Big Eared" Du presided over one of the world's most sophisticated and powerful organized crime syndicates. Comfortable walking shoes and a camera are a must.

Please email specialevents@seashanghai.org by Thursday, March 4. Under subject, please type: "Gangsters" and include your membership number. Reservations will be confirmed by email; SEA cancellation policy applies. Visiting family members and out-of-town guests are most welcome!