History speaks through QR codes
built commercial buildings combining Western and Chinese architectural styles and sold or rented them to the Chinese.
were built before 1928, villas through the 1940s, and apartments were built between 1931 and 1945.
Changjiang Apartments are among the residences that already have a code. The apartment building (also called Carlton Apartments) on Huanghe Road occupies a prominent location behind the Park Hotel at People’s Square.
According to the information accessed through the code, it was built in 1933 during the golden era (1920s-40s) of modern Shanghai apartment buildings. It was the last Shanghai home of author Eileen Chang (Zhang Ailing, 19201995). Born to an aristocratic Shanghai family, she wrote in both Chinese and English, and was known for tragic love stories. “Lust, Caution” and “Love in a Fallen City” are among her best known works. Photos include Chang’s portrait, some of her manuscripts and old views of the buildings.
Two new-style residences Maodeli and Xiangkangli also have codes.
Built in 1924, all of Maodeli’s 11 two-story brick and wood houses are well-preserved. Xinchang Road in front of the neighborhood was originally built in 1899 when it was known as Myburgh Road. Features of the buildings, such as wooden window frames and roof tiles, are singled out for visitors to have a closer look.
“We knew the neighborhood was almost 100 years old, but its history was a mystery to us,” said a senior resident.
Nanjing Road E. subdistrict has been collecting the history of these lane houses from the city archives as well as interviewing senior residents.
The introduction to Xiangkangli neighborhood beside Maodeli, for instance, involves narrations by Song Zuanyou, a son of Song Da, one of the first residents.
“This was once home to entrepreneurs from neighboring provinces or overseas,” Song says. His father from Shandong Province was a chef at the Park Hotel. Song Zuanyou’s brothers worked for the city harbor engineering bureau and photographic film factory while his sister also worked for the hotel.
Their neighbor Zeng Yaozhong, a physician who studied in Germany, opened a private clinic in the neighborhood.
Citywide, about 400 structures will have QR codes by the end of the year. The history behind the 22 heritage buildings along the Bund in Huangpu, for instance, can be read through the codes.
Xuhui District has nearly 80 historic buildings on the list. In some villas on Wukang Road, a VR guide is also available. Changning District has sightseeing routes connecting buildings by architect Laszlo Hudec, while Hongkou will highlight former residences of celebrities.