More than 60 international students from over 40 countries at Shanghai University visited the Shanghai Municipal Archives on Feb 5, exploring Shanghai's transformation over the past century through documents and archival images.

The archives featured nearly 1,000 exhibits outlining Shanghai's changes from a treaty port in 1843 to the global metropolis it is today. The exhibits include the first complete Chinese translation of the Communist Manifesto, a recreated Shikumen alleyway, planning documents charting Pudong's development, and a photo wall chronicling the era of reform and opening up.

Staff members of the archive introduced the institution’s digital services and the file access mechanism for foreigners. Through WeChat mini-programs such as the Shanghai Archives, users can search online catalogs of open archives and digitized information. Foreigners can also make appointments to access archived materials using a passport. The service help students' academic research and thesis writing.

The visit not only deepened the students' understanding of Shanghai's history but also fostered cross-cultural exchange, offering them a unique insight into the city's historical heritage and cultural charm.

What they say

Eugene Eugelyn, from Haiti

Today was a special day for me. This visit helped me gain a deeper understanding of Shanghai's history and made me fall even more in love with this beautiful city. The extraordinary past and culture of Shanghai are what will always place it in the category of "must-visit" cities. Thank you to everyone who made today possible.

Muhammad Ibrahim, from Pakistan

I am pleased to share that today we visited the Shanghai Municipal Archives in Pudong. As a research scholar, I observed that the archives offer a highly professional and well-organized research environment. I was particularly impressed to learn that the institution houses approximately 6 million archival items, reflecting the depth and breadth of Shanghai's historical and administrative records. Moreover, the facility is exceptionally clean and well-maintained, underscoring a strong institutional commitment to preservation standards. Notably, the vast majority of archival sources are accessible in digital format, which greatly facilitates scholarly work. The archival staff members were respectful and supportive, and provided a clear briefing on the history and holdings of the archives. Overall, the Shanghai Municipal Archives stands as a model institution for modern archival management and academic research support.

Eddah Sure, from Kenya

Visiting the Shanghai Archives today was an informative journey through time. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable, and the millions of archives were well organized. Seeing the original documents, some over a century old, felt like entering a hushed time capsule of Shanghai's history and growth journey. Handling Shanghai's history up close, in its original form, made the visit both deeply rewarding and inspiring. This archive is undoubtedly a treasure trove for every international student interested in this city's layered history.

Mohammed Shahinur Karim, from Bangladesh

Until today, I knew that Shanghai was built from nothing. But today, I truly felt the depth of its journey and the struggle of how a world-class city was built while facing countless challenges, including devastating wars and tremendous sacrifice. This visit has left me with wonderful memories, and I would say Shanghai's story stands as an outstanding example for developing nations around the world.

Gohar Alam, from Pakistan

As an international PhD student in cultural heritage at Shanghai University, I have had the opportunity to visit many cities across China and experience diverse cultural heritage sites as well as festivals. Each experience has deepened my understanding of Chinese culture and strengthened my appreciation for its rich traditions. Today's visit to the Shanghai Municipal Archives was especially meaningful, as the historical records of Shanghai are excellently preserved in digital form. The clear explanations from the Chinese speakers helped us learn new and valuable information about the city's history. I'm truly grateful to the International Students Officers, the support staff, and the speakers for their efforts in making this cultural experience possible. It was an unforgettable and enriching experience.

Rauf, from Iran

It was truly magnificent to observe all the main historical events archived and gathered in one place. Shanghai has gone through a lot of changes and events.

As we say in Iran, "A nation that does not know its history is doomed to repeat it". It is truly important to remember and learn your own history.

Source: Official WeChat account of SHU College of International Education (ID: "StudyatSHU")