The trade of Shanghai grew rapidly following its opening as a treaty port in 1843 due to its excellent geographical position. However, for Western ships, some waters from the mouth of the Yangtze River to Shanghai were difficult to navigate. Shipwrecks and strandings took placefrom time to time. The Westerners, mainly the British, in order to promote the safety of navigation and their trade interests, put considerable emphasis on hydrographic surveys and navigational facilities. First, the British Navy carried out hydrographic surveys of the mouth of the Yangtze River and the lower reaches of the Huangpu River, including important navigational landmarks, shallow banks, dark sand, hidden rocks, and tidal changes. Westerners suggested that Shanghai officials to set up navigation measures such as light vessels, buoys, and beacons, but due to lack of experience and lack of special attention from Chinese officials, implementation was not very effective. Then, in the 1850s, Westerners continued to monitor and analyze hydrological information, increasing their knowledge of tidal patterns, the submarine topography of the Yangtze estuary, changes in siltation of Woosung bars, and seasonal changes. In July 1854, Britain, the United States, and France successfully established the Board of Inspectors, which followed the Western system in the management of port affairs. Further safety facilities were built in the late 1850s, including more comprehensive pilotage regulations. The Westerners’ hydrographic surveys and navigational facilities around Shanghai during this period were crucial for Shanghai’s subsequent development.