Xuhui celebrates its arts, culture and history
Walkers learn about the history of historical buildings at the Hengfu (Hengshan and Fuxing roads) Historical Conservation Zone in Xuhui District.
Enjoying the tour in Hengfu
Learning about history
Three walking tours were organized at the Hengfu (Hengshan and Fuxing roads) Historical Conservation Zone in Xuhui District on Saturday, taking walkers to experience the culture and glamor of historic buildings.
The spots include the former residence of Chinese playwright Ke Ling (1909-2000), the newly opened Cloisters Apartments and the former home of renowned entrepreneur Liu Jingji (1902-1997). Each tour covering eight venues lasted one hour and were organized by the Xuhui District Administration of Culture and Tourism.
Bilingual service is available in the walking tours.
"These tours string historical buildings of different architectural style — the former residence of Ke is a Spanish building, while the former home of Liu is a villa of British countryside style," said Zhang Qi, who mapped out the routes. "These buildings were mostly built in the 1930s."
The tours were free, and were booked out within half an hour. Each one had 15 walkers, up from the originally planned 10 due to demand.
"I am very interested in architecture," said Zhang Ying, a walker. "I often visit Xuhui although I do not live here, and I also walk with friends in the area when I have time."
"The architecture here is ingenious and well protected," she said. "I know some of the history behind these buildings."
The starting point of the tours was the Cloisters Apartments built in the 1930s. It opened free to the public on Saturday after two years of renovation to mark the International Museum Day.
The building at 62 Fuxing Road W. once housed the offices of the Hunan Road subdistrict and many original features of the two-story structure — balconies, fountains and mosaic floors — have been preserved.
The exhibition inside the building offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Hengfu Historical Conservation Zone, with its heritage-listed buildings.
"It not only displays architecture, but also tells the stories behind the historical buildings, and people such as political figures, business executives, and celebrities who have some relationship with the area," said Cai Wei, an official with the administration.
"The showcases also comprise literature, music, opera, film and art," she said. "Yueju Opera performer Wang Wenjuan and Yuan Xuefeng, as well as Zhao Dan, one of China's most famous early actors, all worked or lived here."
More walking tours themed on industry, museums, Red Tourism and to exploring the root of Xuhui will be launched in the future, the administration said.
Xuhui District is also hosting a variety of events such as lectures, experience activities and tours to mark the International Museum Day and China Tourism Day on Sunday.
The Shanghai Film Museum will offer half-price admission for a magic night tour and will host ink-wash painting experience activities, while the Tou-Se-We Museum and Shanghai Radio Museum will host lectures.
The Shanghai Normal University Museum will offer engraving art experience activities.
