Journey through Shanghai's culture and history (I)

The journey continues with three new routes that invite visitors to explore the unique facets of Shanghai's heritage, from sunken ships and industrial power to ancient melodies, offering a comprehensive portrait of the city's past.

Route 4: Discover unprecedented archaeological salvage achievement

➡️ Itinerary: Vessel Fenli → Jinfeng Model Workers' Studio → Shanghai Yongfeng Art Garden

This route centers on the remarkable recovery of the Yangtze River Estuary No 2, a late Qing Dynasty vessel whose salvage represents the world's largest and most technologically sophisticated underwater archaeological project.

The salvage vessel Fenli, docked at Hengsha Island, serves as the primary viewing platform for appreciating this extraordinary engineering feat. Visitors can get an up-close look at the specialized equipment, including a 300-meter saturation diving bell and advanced deep-sea robotics systems, which made the project possible.

At the Jinfeng Model Workers' Studio, the human expertise behind the technological achievement comes to life through interactive displays and expert commentary.

The journey also embraces the natural beauty of Hengsha Island, culminating at Yongfeng Art Garden, where colorful rice patterns recognized by the Guinness World Records create a striking visual connection between traditional agriculture and modern artistic expression.

Route 5: Industrial heritage trail along Suzhou Creek

➡️ Itinerary: Suzhou Creek Industrial Civilization Exhibition Hall → Former Foo Sing Flour Mills → Former New China Textile Co Ltd → Former Shanghai Brewery Co → Former Shanghai Central Mint

This route traces Shanghai's industrial transformation along the Suzhou Creek, which served as the city's industrial heartland and powered its economic development from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century.

The journey begins at the Suzhou Creek Industrial Civilization Exhibition Hall, which provides exhibitions detailing the area's industrial evolution through multimedia displays and historical artifacts.

Visitors then follow the creek to explore repurposed industrial heritage, such as the former Foo Sing Flour Mills and the former New China Textile Company. These sites illustrate the narrative of patriotic industrial ventures during China's early modernization period.

The architectural tour continues to the former Shanghai Brewery Company, where the complex features rare industrial structures designed by the renowned Hungarian-Slovak architect Laszlo Hudec.

The final stop at the former Shanghai Central Mint allows visitors to witness both vintage minting presses and modern coin production lines, showcasing the evolution of manufacturing excellence in Shanghai.

Route 6: Echoes of ancient melodies

➡️ Itinerary: Minhang Museum → Shanghai No 1 National Musical Instruments Factory → Traditional Chinese music concert

This route offers a comprehensive exploration of China's rich musical traditions, from ancient instruments to contemporary performances.

The journey begins at Minhang Museum, where over 200 historically significant instruments chart the evolution of Chinese music across different eras. The collection includes ancient bronze chimes and silk-stringed zithers from various dynasties.

The itinerary continues at Shanghai No 1 National Musical Instruments Factory, established in 1958. Visitors can watch master craftsmen creating the renowned Dunhuang brand instruments. The manufacturing process, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage, showcases the transformation of selected materials, such as fine woods, into instruments celebrated for their superior tonal quality.

For those wishing to complete the experience, consider attending a Chinese music concert featuring classic national compositions played on ancient instruments. Various theaters across Shanghai host these concerts regularly. This guide highlights major performance venues where you can check schedules and program details to plan your visit.

Sources: WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism at "shanghaitourism", Shanghai Cultural Heritage Conservation Research Center