Shanghai
Jewish
historical
Heritage Tour
✨ NEW City Tour ✨
Whether you've been living in Shanghai for years
or freshly arrived in the city,
this walking tour will surprise you!
Knowledgeable guide WEN will share
historical context, personal anecdotes,
and lesser-known details,
providing a deeper understanding of
Shanghai's Jewish heritage.
Gain a renewed appreciation for the resilience,
cultural contributions, and the human spirit that endured in the face of adversity.
Join the Shanghai Jewish Walking Tour and uncover the fascinating history and enduring legacy of Shanghai's Jewish community.
🌟
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly
Attractions:
- Xiahai Temple,
- Tilanqiao Gaol,
- No1 Jewish refugee camp,
- White horse cafe,
- Jewish refugee memorial,
- Former site of JDC,
- Huoshan Park,
- Broadway Theatre
The Tour
🕤 Tour Duration: 2.5 hours
😎 Type: City Walk, ~2.5 kilometers
📸 Meeting details:
🌟 Oct 5th
13h00
Tilanqiao metro station line 12
Introduction:
The history of Jews in Shanghai is a compelling tale of resilience, refuge, and cultural exchange. During the turbulent times of the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, Shanghai provided a safe haven for Jewish individuals fleeing persecution and seeking a new beginning.
Here is a glimpse into the history of Jews in Shanghai:
Arrival of Jewish Communities:Jewish communities began to settle in Shanghai in the mid-19th century. These early settlers included Sephardic Jews from Baghdad and Ashkenazi Jews from Eastern Europe. They arrived in Shanghai for various reasons, such as trade opportunities, economic prospects, and escaping religious persecution.
Shanghai as a Safe Haven:In the late 1930s and early 1940s, as Europe faced the dark shadow of the Holocaust, Shanghai remained one of the few places that did not require visas for entry. Shanghai became a sanctuary for thousands of Jewish individuals and families.
During the war, Jewish refugees were confined to a designated area known as the Shanghai Ghetto, primarily located in Hongkou District. Despite the overcrowded and challenging living conditions, the Jewish community thrived and formed a close-knit society. They established schools, synagogues, businesses, and cultural institutions, fostering a sense of community and continuity.
The history of Jews in Shanghai is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and cultural contributions of the Jewish community. It stands as a reminder of the power of compassion, refuge, and the strength of the human spirit in times of adversity.
Xiahai Temple
In the past, the Tilanqiao area of Shanghai was home to a river known as Xiahaipu. This river held significance for the local community and their cultural practices. One of these practices involved locals crossing a bridge and carrying baskets as they worshipped the Goddess Mazu.
Although the Xiahaipu River no longer exists today due to urban development and changes to the city's landscape, the traditions associated with the worship of Mazu continue to be observed in various parts of Shanghai including at Xiahai temple.
Tilanqiao Gaol
Tilanqiao Gaol, constructed in 1901 by the Shanghai Municipal Council, gained the moniker "The Hague of China" due to its reputation as a significant judicial institution. During the period from 1945 to 1948, the prison served as a facility for the imprisonment, trial, and execution of Japanese war criminals.
Today, the historical significance of the prison is recognized, and efforts have been made to preserve and memorialize its past, shedding light on the events that took place during that period in history.
First refugee camp
138 No. Changyang Road was among the seven asylums established in Shanghai during a particular period. During this time, Jewish refugee relief organizations rented houses to accommodate Jewish individuals who sought refuge in the city. Children born in these refugee camp maternity hospitals are known as "Shanghai babies".
The stories of the Jewish refugees and "Shanghai babies" continue to be acknowledged, serving as a reminder of the city's role as a safe haven during a challenging period in history.
Jewish Refugee Museum
This particular building stands as one of the two surviving Jewish synagogues in Shanghai. Originally constructed in 1907 by a Russian Ashkenazi Jew, it was later relocated to its current location in 1927.
The synagogue holds historical and cultural significance as a testament to the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived in Shanghai. It served as a place of worship, community gathering, and cultural preservation for the Jewish residents of the city.
White horse cafe
The White Horse Cafe, owned by Rudolf Mosberg, stands as a testament to the resilience and interconnectedness of the Jewish refugee community in Shanghai during World War II. Rudolf Mosberg himself was a Jewish refugee who sought refuge in Shanghai during this tumultuous period.
The name of the cafe, "White Horse," was derived from the renowned European opera titled "White Horse Inn".
Within its walls, two Jewish families spanning three generations found solace and camaraderie.
No.59 Zhoushan Road
No.59 Zhoushan Road was the former residence of Michael Blumenthal, who later became the United States Treasury Secretary.
Due to persecution by the Nazis, Blumenthal's family was forced to flee to Shanghai in 1939, seeking safety and refuge.
During their time in Shanghai, the Blumenthal family endured challenging circumstances, residing in a small 10-square-meter room.
Following the end of WWII, Michael Blumenthal worked diligently, eventually achieving success as both a businessman and a politician.
JDC
The building in question served as the Shanghai Branch office of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), playing a vital role in providing assistance to Jewish refugees in Shanghai.
The JDC played a significant humanitarian role during a critical period in history. It provided support, aid, and resources to Jewish individuals and communities affected by persecution and displacement, including those who sought refuge in Shanghai during World War II.
Huoshan Park
Studley Park, established in 1917, held a significant place in history as a gathering place for Jewish refugees residing in the Ghetto. The park featured an alley known as "Avenue Studley", which added to its charm and character.
During the period when Shanghai provided refuge to Jewish individuals fleeing persecution, Studley Park served as a communal space for the Jewish community. It became a meeting point, a place for socializing, and a venue for various activities and events.
Broadway Theater
The Broadway Theater, constructed in 1930 by a Cantonese businessman, showcased the popular art deco architectural style of the 1930s.
Amidst the turmoil of war, the Jewish refugees found themselves in need of a space for gathering and support. In a display of resilience and solidarity, they rented the roof of the Broadway Theater to create a space where they could come together, seek solace, and find a sense of community.
City Mart Surprise
Experience the nostalgic charm of Shanghai's 80s and 90s street views at a recently opened City Mart. Step inside and immerse yourself in a world of captivating sights and fascinating finds.
This City Mart offers a unique opportunity to reminisce about the past, as it recreates the vibrant atmosphere of Shanghai during the 80s and 90s. Every corner is carefully designed to transport you back in time, evoking memories of bustling streets, traditional storefronts, and the spirit of the era.
For booking,
Wechat us or Email
Wechat｜M2adventure3
Email: M2adventurers@gmail.com
Price
220 rmb (min 5ppl, max 12)
Also can be booked as a private tour, on demand
Note: The tour does NOT include the Jewish refugee museum. The museum might takes additional 1.5 hours and the entry ticket is 20 RMB.
Included
- Professional English Speaking guide
- M2 organizing fee
- A cold drink & a Local Street snack
Excluded
- Drinks & Meals not mentioned
- Tips for guide
- Optional activities not mentioned
Cancellation policy & Disclaimer
- If you cancel within 2 days before departure, you won't qualify for a refund but you can use the money for your next booking with M2.
- If you cancel last minute (less than 24h in advance) you won't qualify for a refund nor be able to use the money for the next booking.
Disclaimer:
All forms of outdoor recreation (including hiking) have a higher level of risk than most ordinary activities.
By participating in M2adventure's hike, you acknowledge and accept the responsibility for making your own determinations as to the suitability of the activity and for your own safety, conduct, and well-being and agree to participate solely at your own risk.
M2adventure, its organizer & hike leaders will not be held responsible for any loss or injury which you may sustain as a result of your participation in any of these activities.
This trip is hosted and operated by Shanghai Qian Hai International Travel Service Co, Ltd. operating Licence: L-SH-01071
