Nostalgia in a plane-tree-shaded historic area
- By Xu Zhi
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail China Today, December 19, 2016
In the early 20th century plane trees, or sycamores, one of the world's favorite street trees, stood throughout Shanghai's French Concession. Today, as you walk through Xujiahui Park you can see the road where abundant plane trees shade the homes of historically prominent social figures.
This serene sanctuary, covering a 7.66 sq km area amid Shanghai's busy commercial ethos, is known as Hengshan Road-Fuxing Road. Mostly situated in the Xuhui riverside area where stand around 30 well preserved historical streets, these old thoroughfares and their time-honored architectures evoke memories of past eras.
After its opening to the world as a commercial port 170 year ago, people of all walks experienced Shanghai's vicissitudes, and left their essence in these old houses and alleys. The plane trees that offered shade from heat and rain witnessed the prosperity of the city in the 1930s and 1940s. Known as the "Paris of the East," Shanghai was a blend of Western and Eastern cultures.
Old Western-style Buildings that Echo the City's Memories
In many people's eyes, local Shanghai culture embodies both the spirit and essence of this vibrant metropolis. Culture, the soul of a city, is largely imbued in its architectures reminiscent of past epochs.
Historical constructions on the Hengshan Road-Fuxing Road historic area are in diverse styles. Residents of these tasteful houses and gardens have helped to weave the city's legends. Widely admired in their heyday, these buildings still hold great appeal for today's younger generations.
 |
|
The Hengshan Road-Fuxing Road historic area is both serene and elegant. |
The triangular shaped Wukang Mansion, situated at the junction of Middle Huaihai Road and Wukang Road, is one of Shanghai's most eye-catching landmarks. Designed by outstanding Hungarian architect László Hudec, and home to several dignitaries and famous film artistes it resembles a battle cruiser and was the city's first veranda-style apartment.
Another ship-like building – the former residence of Soong Ching Ling (Mme. Sun Yat-sen) – is also located in this district. This German-style house, with its red roof and white walls, is surrounded by luxuriant camphor trees and plants, and emits an impression of calm yet brilliance. Artworks and paintings which friends from China and abroad presented to her are on display here, among them old photos of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Soong Ching Ling. Exhibits also include a graceful qipao that Soong Ching Ling frequently wore.
 |
|
Chinese modern literature master Ba Jin wrote his classic works in his residence which from the outside looks austere. |
Ba Jin, a master of Chinese modern literature, lived in this district for some years. His former residence looks austere from the outside, but houses a vast collection of books. It was here that Ba Jin wrote his classic works, including a collection of essays.
Huang Xing, one of the main leaders of the 1911 Revolution, lived in this district for several months. During his short stay, Dr. Sun Yat-sen visited him twice to discuss revolutionary matters. Huang devoted his life to the country's democratic progress. In recent years, his former residence has been refurbished and adapted into a tourist information and art center, themed on time-honored architectures. Today, culture and tourism, rather than politics and revolution, are the topics under discussion here.
Most Chinese people are familiar with the comic book hero Sanmao. Painter Zhang Leping created this character in his tranquil house on a secluded lane of this area. Having lived in Shanghai for nearly half a century, Zhang infused his comic images with his own observations of the city and his life there. It was through these images of Sanmao's bitter childhood that people became aware of wartime's stark social realities.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)