Xujiahui Origin

english.shanghai.gov.cn

Xujiahui Origin, a century-old cluster of cultural buildings in the southwest part of downtown Shanghai, is renowned as the earliest site of Chinese interaction with Western cultures and the birthplace of modern sciences in Shanghai and China.

This bustling area, boasting rich cultural and historical legacies, vibrant commercial and trade activities, and extensive transportation networks, is acclaimed as the cradle of Shanghai-style culture.

Four hundred years ago Xu Guangqi, a Chinese scholar-official and a pioneer of cultural exchanges between China and the Western world, resided in this area, where several creeks, including the Zhaojiabang, converged. Xu authored numerous books on his property and established farming facilities nearby for experimenting with new agricultural practices.

As the area became predominantly inhabited by Xu's descendants, it acquired the name Xujiahui during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Throughout modern Chinese history, Xujiahui has symbolized the interaction and mutual influence between Chinese and Western cultures. Xu pioneered the introduction of Western sciences and cultures, opening a window to the outside world for Chinese people and laying the first cornerstone for Shanghai's inclusive identity.

Over the centuries, the efforts initiated by Xu Guangqi and Matteo Ricci to promote science and technology, culture, education, publishing, charity, and religion have continued, leading to the establishment of numerous institutions and facilities dedicated to these pursuits across the area.

Former Site of Xuhui Public School

Open: Saturday and Sunday 9 am - 4 pm; during winter and summer vacations: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday 9 am - 4 pm

Address: No 68 Hongqiao Road, Xuhui district

Admission: Free

Xujiahui Bibliotheca

Open: Monday to Saturday 9 am - 4 pm (admission stops at 3:45 pm)

Address: No 80 North Caoxi Road, Xuhui district

Admission: Free

Xujiahui Cathedral

Open: Tuesday to Saturday 9 am - 4 pm (admission stops at 3:30 pm)

The first Friday of each month, morning admission is suspended until 1 pm, then normal hours resume.

Address: No 158 Puxi Road, Xuhui district

Admission: Free

Former Site of Xujiahui Observatory (Shanghai Meteorological Museum)

Open: Tuesday to Sunday

Address: No 166 Puxi Road, Xuhui district

Admission: Reservations need to be made by following the official WeChat account of the Shanghai Meteorological Museum (WeChat account: gh_ea2d912c14c8) to make an online reservation.

Guangqi Park