Xinhua Road: A witness to urban life development over past century

Xinhua Road and the broader Xinhua Road Subdistrict have borne witness to Shanghai's urban life and its evolution over the past century. Known for its historic charm and legendary Columbia Circle, this area offers a blend of architectural heritage, greenery and a vibrant community spirit.

Originally named Avenue Amherst in 1925, Xinhua Road became home to an ambitious real estate project led by American engineer Frank J. Raven and his Asia Realty Co. They developed a garden villa community, later named Columbia Circle.

Five years later, a hairpin-shaped lane of garden villas emerged, showcasing diverse architectural styles such as British, American, Dutch, Italian and Spanish. Renowned architect László Hudec designed many stylish mansions in the area.

Among the notable properties is No. 1, Lane 211. A Spanish-style villa built around 1940, this property features red barrel roofs, an outdoor balcony, a brick chimney with peaked arches, and a lush garden. Initially home to the manager of the Shanghai Columbia Phonograph Records Factory, it later became a base for a traditional orchestra. Today, the block contains 101 historic garden villas, 19 of which are officially listed as well-preserved historic buildings.

No. 36, Lane 329, nicknamed the "Cake House" (蛋糕房子) for its circular shape. This rare two-story, brick-and-wood round mansion boasts a blue roof, a European-style marble fountain, patterned hardwood floors, and glass bricks. Originally a residence for Shanghai-based Spanish diplomats, it was later owned by Zhou Junshi, a peace promoter and former president of Tongji University.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Xinhua Road Subdistrict underwent significant changes. By 1986, there were still 111 factories in the area. However, starting in 1985, the government launched 407 environmental protection projects, closing down or relocating heavily polluting workshops. Today, former industrial sites like the Shanghai Fourth Chemical Fiber Factory have been transformed into the Man Po International Business Center and Cherish Maternal and Child Care Center.

The subdistrict now boasts an abundance of cultural sites and greenery, including Columbia Circle, Tianshan Park, Huashan Children's Park, and several pocket parks. These green spaces reflect the area's commitment to sustainable urban living.

Long-time resident Ma Jiyu, who has lived on Xinhua Road for over 60 years, exemplifies the community spirit. His mini garden and hut in the Foreign Lanes are a welcoming space where he tends plants, drinks tea, smokes his pipe, and chats with passersby.

"It's a neighborhood where people are connected, caring, and proud of its greenery," Ma shared. "The 'Cake House' is the best-known among the garden villas," he added, noting that it remains vacant but is occasionally tended by domestic staff.

Xinhua Road today attracts urban lifestyle experts and creatives: Jin Jing, an editor with a PhD in community building who publishes a magazine to promote urban renewal; Zhang Yindi, a grocery owner turned "beer lady" who opened a craft beer bar and museum; Lyu Fang, a Shanghai-style garment tailor specializing in reviving forgotten clothes.

Residents and visitors alike enjoy the subdistrict's eclectic offerings. Highlights include dining at small steamed bun canteens, noodle eateries, vegetarian restaurants, or international spots like El Bodegón Argentina and Villa Le Bec 321.

Nightlife thrives at venues like C's Bar, Dada and Cotton Bar. Green spaces cater to outdoor activities for families and pets, while the area's architectural legacy evokes a vintage vibe.

One young resident captured the essence of the community, saying: "Living here has made me an insider to a Shanghai I never knew before."