Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
10
XUJIAHUI
Sitting at the confluence of eight roads, Xujiahui is an improbable
mix of brash, buzzing commerce and some of Shanghai's most
revered sites. Stroll through the centuries, from Buddhist temples to
electronics malls.
DISTANC: 2km (1.2 miles) plus taxis
TIME: A full day
START: Xujiahui metro station
END: Longhua Martyrs' Cemetery
POINTS TO NOTE: Take the subway to Xujiahui station and follow
the exit signs to the Bibliotheca. To see the old Jesuit library, go on a
Saturday and call ahead to reserve a tour.
Meaning 'Xu family village', Xujiahui is named after China's first Catholic family: Ming court of-
ficial Xu Guangqi (also known as Paul Xu) was born here in 1562, and became Matteo Ricci's
first noble convert and academic collaborator. Like his friend Ricci, Xu was a gifted mathem-
atician, astronomer and linguist.
SHANGHAI LIBRARY
The local government has rebranded nine heritage sites in and around the Jesuit compound
that once dominated this area as 'Xujiahui Origin'. Drop into the Tourist Centre at 166 Puxi
Road next door to the Cathedral, and pick up a free ticket allowing access to each of these
sites (they won't let you in without this), then follow the red-painted pathway with clear direc-
tions to the different locations.
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