This article explores the contrasting career routes and experiences of women leaders from differing socio-historical-political backgrounds in China, especially those in the city of Shanghai. In doing so, it seeks to examine why particular career patterns and routes to positions of leadership have emerged and how the women themselves understand and account for their different experiences. The intention is to shed light on the part played by cultural and economic changes in China's social development generally, by comparison with other factors and to highlight the uniqueness of the Chinese case. In particular the role of social relationships in shaping career routes will be emphasized. (Contains 24 notes.)