Autumn Architecture Tour: 8 Attractions in Changning

Welcome to one of the best times of the year, weather-wise.

It’s time to break out your best pair of walking shoes, and to wander about the district of Changning for a dose of culture and breath of crisp autumnal air...

While in Changning, here are two other guides that you could combine with this one to make the most out of your exploration:

- A Few Cool Finds at Columbia Circle

- 6 Places to Wine & Dine Well on Wuyi Road

TIME OUT TIP: The eight following attractions are, in fact, stops on a ‘Citywalk card-stamping challenge’ held by the Changning District Culture and Tourism Bureau from November 11-17, 2024. Learn more about this engaging way to explore the district’s unique heritage by visiting our sister publication, TimeOut上海.

1

🇨🇳 Mandarin name: ROJO艺文空间

📍 570, Huaihai West Road, Changning

The founding of New China saw a wave of industry and left an indelible mark upon Changning, as represented by the Shanghai No. 10 Steel Factory.

This impressive structure still stands tall with much of its original design still intact: think red bricks, a façade with floor-to-ceiling windows, a steel roof, and cavernous spaces.

The former cold rolled steel plant has been transformed into what is better known today as ROJO Art Culture Space.

Meaning ‘red’ in Spanish, ‘ROJO’ is literally built from red brick but is also a metaphor for fire — the space serves to fans the flames of passion for art and culture.

Not only does the cultural heritage building retain memories of the city’s past, but it is also an incubator for Shanghai’s creative community.

2

🇨🇳 Mandarin name: 大理石亭

📍 Inside Zhongshan Park, 780 Changning Road, Changning

An ancient relic that was literally transported from the Lijin River to Zhongshan Park, the Xianghua Bridge has bore the weight of passengers who no longer traverse this earth.

It served as a primary passage for worshippers heading to the Fahua Chan Temple, which was built the Northern Song Dynasty (970).

After the Lijin River was filled in 1958, the Xianghua Bridge was relocated to Zhongshan Park.

Seek it out in the northwest section of the park, and take a moment to drink in the juxtaposition of its seemingly indestructible stone etchings next to the fast-moving, flowing water beneath the bridge.

3

🇨🇳 Mandarin name: 大理石亭

📍 Inside Zhongshan Park, 780 Changning Road, Changning

Many despair at the march of time in Shanghai, but it has given way to a magnificent fusion of eastern and western attractions, such as the Marble Pavilion of Zhongshan Park.

A generous donation from Mrs. Edward Ezra, it is located on the north side of the large lawn in the park, and has withstood the ravages of time and nature since 1935.

The pavilion’s steps, railings, platform, columns, walls, and two statues of goddesses are all carved out of white marble, and a lush green lawn with towering Chinese junipers lies just beyond it, creating the atmosphere of a classical European garden.

TIME OUT TIP: Before it came to be known as Zhongshan Park, this sprawling public property was called Jessfield Park and Zhaofeng Park.

4

🇨🇳 Mandarin name: 孫科別墅

📍 1262 West Yan’an Road, Changning

Designed by Hungarian architect László Hudec and built in 1931, Sun Ke’s Villa is the former abode of Sun Fo or Sun Ke, son of Sun Yat-sen and his first wife Lu Muzhen.

Located on landed property spanning 8,000 square metres, the building sees an eye-catching blend of architectural styles.

The main villa is classically Spanish but also bears traces of Baroque architecture, while the chimney takes cue from Italian Renaissance fireplaces. 

TIME OUT TIP: The villa is not open to the public at present, but you may still admire it from the outside.

5

🇨🇳 Mandarin name: 长宁区少年宫

⏰ Tue - Sat, 9 AM - 5 PM

📍 1182 Yuyuan Road, Changning

Constructed out of reinforced concrete and completed in 1934, the Shanghai Changning Children’s Palace is spread across 7,187 square metres, towers four-stories-high, and houses 32 rooms of various sizes. 

The Gothic-style building was originally the home of Wang Boqun, former Minister of Communications for the Kuomintang. 

Inside, lose yourself in a maze of winding hallways, be entranced by the traditional Eastern art in the main hall and guest rooms, and marvel over the painted murals.

All door and window handles are custom-made from cast bronze, and the ornate window railings are carved with plum blossom motifs.

6

📍 1574 Wanhangdu Road, Changning

By the banks of Suzhou Creek stands the East China University of Political Science and Law, formerly St. John’s University, a place that has nurtured famous alumni.

Constructed between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the buildings making up the campus showcase a distinctive blend of East and West.

Topped with roofs with flying eaves and upturned corners, they are heavily influenced by the traditional Chinese courtyard or siheyuan style while also incorporating Western-style walls and interiors.

Iconic parts of the campus include Huai Shi Hall (now known as the Taofen Building), Gezhi Building, and the former residence of Francis C. Boone (president of the former St. John’s University), which has recently opened to the public for the first time.

With its white walls and blue-tiled roof topped by a Western-style chimney, this unique Jiangnan-style standalone villa stands apart from other parts of the university.

7

📍 34, Lane 1376, Yuyuan Road, Changning

In the deep and tranquil historic lanes of Changning, the legacy of revolutionary culture continues to thrive. 

Bolshevik, one of the most significant revolutionary publications during China’s Land Reform Movement, had an editorial office nestled within this three-story brick-and-wood building.

It is from this historic building that 31 issues of Bolshevik were published over the span of a year and four months. This was after the 1927 revolution, during the oppressive Shanghai massacre also known as the ‘White Terror.’

Bolshevik continued to uphold the democratic revolutionary banner against imperialism and warlords, promoting the core strategy of land reform and armed uprisings by workers and peasants, and inspiring revolutionary forces in their struggle against the enemy.

8

🇨🇳 Mandarin name: 中共中央上海局机关旧址 

📍 389 Jiangsu Road, Changning

⏰ Daily, 9 AM - 4 PM

This four-story building is the former site of the Shanghai Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC)’s Central Committee.

After the victory of the Allied Powers in the Anti-Japanese War in September 1945, Liu Changsheng, Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, sent forth instructions for the building to be rented under a secret alias. As an agent of the Shanghai Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Wang Xinnan carried out the task.

Important meetings and activities between the Shanghai Bureau leaders were mainly held here until the liberation of Shanghai.

All images are courtesy of Changning District Culture and Tourism Bureau. This article is not to be replicated without prior consent.