The city that is more than just a metropolis of modernity
Fast-paced lifestyles, a business and fashion hub, and a technology innovation center — these are the things most people associate with Shanghai today. However, despite these modern traits, the metropolis is also rich in resources associated with the history of the Communist Party of China.
Ranging from memorials of historic sites, to former residences of leading members, to martyrs’ cemeteries, more than 657 cultural sites related to the Party and revolutionary history can be found across the city.
In recent decades, the local government has been busy restoring these resources and integrating them into the tourism industry.
According to Su Zhiliang, director of the urban culture research center at Shanghai Normal University, a growing number of sites have been renovated and opened to the public since 2011, the 90th anniversary of the CPC’s founding.
“Shanghai has been a major center of China’s modern revolution since the 1910s. This has created rich resources related to politics, the military and culture,” Su said.
He noted that the city has been promoting those resources since 1949, with the most famous being the Memorial of the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
The venue was where 13 Chinese members and two foreign delegates of the Communist International organization convened the famous meeting in July 1921. The venue has been open to the public since 1952.
A three-year plan initiated by the local government in 2018 outlined requirements to improve infrastructure, facilities and customer services at CPC-related tourist spots.
In March, drafts on the protection of historic resources in Shanghai stipulated that the city government will set up a database of Party-related resources.
All such items will be categorized and afforded different protective measures accordingly.
In light of this year's 100th anniversary of the CPC's founding many sites are undergoing renovation and are expected to reopen soon to mark the occasion.
Data from the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism show that eight sites including the memmorials of the Site of the First National Congress and the Site of the Fourth National
Congress, received 172,500 visitors during the weeklong National Day Holiday in October, a year-on-year rise of more than 24 percent.
Greater engagement
“Compared with reading books or watching documentaries, tourism offers a more engaging way for residents to learn about history,” Su said.
He pointed out that tourism resources in each district have their own characteristics. For example, sites in Yangpu district in the north, where docks and factories were once situated, offer a glimpse into movements initiated by workers.
By contrast, Huangpu district, where the Party’s founding members lived and worked, is an ideal place to explore the history of the Party’s founding and its initial development.
“Historic resources have been born out of, and closely integrated with, local cultures,” said Yao Fei, associate professor of history Shanghai Normal University.
Shikumen buildings — a style featuring Western and Chinese elements — were often used to host the CPC’s revolutionary activities. They are among the main attractions for tourists, Yao added.
“Cooperation between Shanghai and other cities in the Yangtze River Delta should be fostered to gather resources because many founding members of the Party came from the delta. It will become an important tourism asset for the region,” he said.
To promote these sites, an official online map developed by the government last year shines a spotlight on 99 venues in the city and offers information related to their history and architecture.
Many sites have introduced new offerings to enhance the visitor experience. For example, the Memorial of the Site of the Fourth National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Hongkou district uses holography to present a scene in which Party delegates are holding a conference.
In Pudong New Area’s Xinchang town, the three-story building that was once used as a secret communication station for Party members allows visitors to role-play as revolutionaries and experience movie-like scenes.
Interpreters at some sites have also tailored their interaction with visitors based on demographics.
“For foreign audiences, for example, we get to know their nationalities and professional backgrounds so we can highlight the key points they may be familiar with,” said Li Xintong, an interpreter with the communications and education department at the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
“We also use simple words and games to pique the interest of children and offer them a platform to use their imaginations. We hope the kids will love their hometown more after the visit.” at