RAS Boxing Day Walk with Peter Hibbard

RAS WEEKENDER

Saturday 26^th December, 2009 at 2.00pm

Meet at the entrance to the Broadway Mansions Hotel, 20 North Suzhou Road.

Address in Chinese: 北苏州路20号,上海大厦门口

BOUNDARIES, BUILDINGS AND BOOM TIMES

A BOXING DAY WALK WITH PETER HIBBARD

Peter will explore, in word and deed, the early development of Shanghai’s foreign Settlement areas and highlight how boundaries between them; drawn up in the 19th century still have relevance, if not importance, today. He will also explore the present day resonance of social and physical structures created within these historical boundaries during periods of rapid growth when the city, like today, was booming at an unprecedented place.

We will begin by exploring a part of what was the American Settlement in the 1850s (Hongkou district), when it had a reputation for the being the ‘Wild West of the East,’ before crossing into the earliest established and very respectable part of the English Settlement at the back of the Bund. Heading south, passing impressive civic and commercial buildings, and the former Holy Trinity Cathedral (which has been magnificently restored), we will cross into the earliest part of the French Concession. Another of Shanghai’s earliest churches, St. Joseph’s, still survives there. Crossing back, over the former boundary with the French and British areas, East Yan’an Road, we will stroll through the colourful back streets off East Nanjing Road. The walk will conclude outside the former Louza police station on Guizhou Road (close to East Nanjing Road), where you will hear the story of the May 30^th incident in 1925, which took place there, forcing the British to capitulate on their privilege and their boundaries in China. 

Peter Hibbard is an independent researcher/writer and President of the Royal Asiatic Society China in Shanghai

DONATION: RMB 100 for members RMB 200 for guests.

Strictly limited to a maximum number of 20 participants on a first come, first served basis – RAS members will be given priority. Membership applications and renewals will be available on the afternoon. Those unable to make the donation but wishing to attend may contact us for exemption.

RSVP: to RAS Enquiry desk enquiry@royalasiaticsociety.org.cn

N.B. Owing to ‘no shows’ at previous limited participation events there will be a charge for ‘no shows’ without 24 hours notice to our enquiry desk.