Beneath rows of plane trees, where antiquity meets modernity, Xinhua Road in Shanghai's Changning district is experiencing a quiet renaissance. Stretching 2,434 meters and first laid out in the early 20th century, the road carries a century of history, now revitalized through urban renewal and community-led placemaking.

Xinhua Road is lined with early 20th-century villas. Among its architectural gems is the Columbia Circle complex, which comprises 29 homes designed by renowned architect Laszlo Hudec. Inspired by British, US, German, and Spanish styles, these residences remain one of the city's most intact examples of historic neighborhoods.

Adding to the revival is the renovated Shanghai Film Art Center, originally opened in 1990. Reopened in 2023 after a two-year renovation, the theater now features state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos and IMAX technology while retaining its retro facade. As the main venue for the Shanghai International Film Festival, it continues to celebrate the city's cinematic legacy.

At the heart of the neighborhood, the Xinhua Community Design Center, a community-led placemaking space, has transformed a traditional alley into a vibrant civic platform. Here, young residents co-design public projects such as zero-waste initiatives and participatory micro-governance, bringing fresh energy to the historic lane.

As Shanghai continues to balance preservation with progress, the revival of Xinhua Road stands as a vivid example of how history and modern life can coexist, giving residents and visitors a renewed sense of place.

Source: WeChat account of Shanghai Changning media center at "shchangning"