Xidajie, or West Street, has served as the commercial and cultural lifeline of Jiading district since the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589), when it emerged as a bustling hub around the revered Huguo Temple. By the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) eras, it had evolved into the district's most dynamic commercial thoroughfare, anchoring trade, social life, and local identity.

The Jiading West Street Impression Cultural Center is designed as an immersive introduction to this living history.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the Root of Jiading installation, which blends an ancient map with tree imagery to symbolize the district's deep historical connections. Nearby, the Impression Book Hall brings West Street's thousand-year story to life through vivid narrative displays.

Walking along the restored cobblestone lane inside the center leads to the Return to West Street exhibition. Here, finely detailed bamboo carvings depict 14 key historical sites, offering an artistic preview of the area's architectural heritage.

The center itself is a dialogue between old and new. The first floor is organized into three thematic zones — roots, restoration, and heritage — each highlighting a facet of West Street's cultural legacy. Upstairs, a modern reception area doubles as a cultural salon for events and offers sweeping views of West Street, the Lianqi River, and Huguo Temple.

The experience is anchored in personal stories, ensuring that history feels intimate rather than abstract. The Inscriptions: A Hundred Trades of One Street installation employs traditional bamboo-carving techniques to depict the bustling commerce that once defined the area. A dedicated memory wall, featuring archival photographs and interviews from longtime residents, pays tribute to the deep, personal bonds that keep the spirit of West Street alive.

(Updated on Dec 26, 2026)

Source: WeChat account of the publicity department of the CPC Jiading district committee at "sh-jiading"