John Denver's 1982 hit "Shanghai Breezes" was inspired by a deeply personal experience during a visit to Shanghai, China, and went on to become the last No. 1 single of his career. The song, which Denver wrote alone for his album Seasons Of The Heart, marked a departure from the Americana themes of earlier hits such as "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and "Rocky Mountain High", and is notable for the poignant story behind its creation.

Denver travelled to China after being invited to perform for then-leader Deng Xiaoping, having first met him following a 1979 concert at the Kennedy Center. According to his producer, Milt Okun, Denver wrote the song while in Shanghai reflecting on his relationship with his wife, Annie Martell, from whom he divorced later that same year. Although it was his final chart-topper, Denver continued to have success afterwards, including a 1983 duet with Emmylou Harris, "Wild Montana Skies", and his last Top 10 single, "Dreamland Express", in 1985. He died in a plane crash on 12 October 1997, aged 53, while piloting the aircraft alone.