Shanghai courtesans

Shanghai courtesans, particularly during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican era, were far more than entertainers—they were cultural icons, fashion trendsetters, and key figures in the city’s elite social scene. Operating out of the elegant teahouses and brothels of the city's famed entertainment districts, such as the infamous "Flower World" of the International Settlement and French Concession, these women were skilled in poetry, music, calligraphy, and conversation. Unlike common prostitutes, high-ranking courtesans—sometimes called mingji or "famous courtesans"—were carefully cultivated in the arts and often educated alongside scholars. They formed relationships with wealthy merchants, diplomats, artists, and political figures, blurring the lines between romance, performance, and power. Their refined image was a blend of traditional beauty and modern style, often featured in newspaper advertisements, cigarette cards, and photo studios. In many ways, they were Shanghai’s early celebrities—celebrated and scandalized in equal measure.

Shanghai courtesans were elegant, witty, and influential. They shaped culture while navigating strict social hierarchies. Their beauty was matched by their intellect. They were artists, muses, and businesswomen. Their lives inspired literature, films, and urban legends. Shanghai’s courtesans were the glittering heart of a city in transition—where tradition met modernity under neon lights.