TDLI’s Cross-Cultural Exploration: A Journey Through Shanghai’s Bund Architecture
On April 25, 2025, the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute (TDLI) hosted a walking tour of Shanghai’s Bund, which included participants from countries such as the United States, Malaysia, Colombia, Nigeria, Mexico, and Indonesia. The initiative aimed to provide an immersive experience centered on the historical and cultural evolution of Shanghai, set against its iconic skyline.
Starting Point: The Former Shanghai Municipal Government Building
The tour began at the former Shanghai Municipal Government Building, a neoclassical structure completed in 1914. This site, which served as the headquarters of the Shanghai Municipal Council during the International Settlement era, currently functions as the seat of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government following Shanghai’s liberation in 1949. Participants were able to engage with an exhibition titled “Building a People’s City — Former Site of Mayor Chen Yi’s Office,” which offered insights into the city’s early governance.
No. 12 The Bund: A Historical Landmark
The next stop was No. 12 The Bund, which was formerly the headquarters of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and opened in 1923. Described by The Times of London as “the most luxurious building from the Suez Canal to the Bering Strait,” this location now houses the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. Its architectural design exemplifies a fusion of Eastern and Western influences, highlighting Shanghai’s cultural openness.
The Junction of Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek
Continuing along the Bund, the group arrived at the junction of the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek, a site that is essential to Shanghai’s heritage. The guide, Jerry Zhu, utilized historical photographs to illustrate the significant changes this area has experienced, emphasizing the balance between historic landmarks and modern public spaces that reflect Shanghai’s rapid development.
TDLI’s Cross-Cultural Initiatives
TDLI’s cross-cultural walking tours have been organized for the past five years, with the goal of fostering international dialogue and understanding within the academic community. The institute continues to develop such programs, aimed at offering diverse experiences that encourage global perspectives and collaborative learning.
This event aligns with TDLI’s broader mission to integrate the fields of science, technology, and the humanities within the context of China’s modernization narrative.
(Source: SJTU News)
