Xujiahui Source Scenic Area
Xujiahui Source, located at the intersection of Huaihai Road and Xujiahui Road in Shanghai, is a historic-cultural zone recognized as China’s first "National Cultural Heritage Site" in 2014. Originating as a French Jesuit mission in the 19th century, it evolved into a hub for Western education and culture. The area spans 4km², blending Gothic revival architecture, Qing Dynasty relics, and modern commercial complexes. Key landmarks include Xujiahui Cathedral (1910), Xujiahui Library (1847), and Guangqi Park, named after Chinese scholar Xu Guangqi.
Historical Overview
The site’s history dates to 1847 when French Jesuits established a chapel and school, laying the foundation for Shanghai’s Western-style education system. In 1906, construction began on Xujiahui Cathedral, a neo-Gothic masterpiece completed in 1910. The Xujiahui Library, founded in 1847, became China’s earliest modern library, housing rare Western and Chinese texts. Post-1949, the area transformed into a commercial center while preserving its historic core. In 2019, a ¥2 billion renovation revived colonial-era buildings as cultural venues.
Spatial Layout
The area is divided into three zones:
- Religious & Cultural Core: Xujiahui Cathedral, St. Ignatius Chapel, and the original Jesuit cemetery.
- Educational & Historical Zone: Xujiahui Library, Guangqi Park, and the Xu Guangqi Memorial Hall.
- Modern Commercial Hub: High-end malls (Grand Gateway, Metro City) and metro interchanges.
Major Attractions
- Xujiahui Cathedral: Shanghai’s largest Gothic church, featuring stained-glass windows and a 57-meter bell tower.
- Xujiahui Library: A 1847 neo-Baroque building with 200,000+ rare books, including 17th-century Western scientific texts.
- Guangqi Park: A 4.5ha urban oasis with Xu Guangqi’s tomb and bamboo groves.
- St. Ignatius Chapel: A 1930s Art Deco chapel now used for classical concerts.
- Historic Villa District: Preserved 1920s shikumen (stone-gate) houses repurposed as cafes and galleries.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Historic Core Tour (2 hours):
Xujiahui Cathedral → Xujiahui Library → Guangqi Park → St. Ignatius Chapel → Exit
Highlights: Architectural marvels and scholarly heritage. -
Cultural & Retail Blend (3–4 hours):
Cathedral → Library → Villa District Cafes → Grand Gateway Mall → Evening Cathedral Light Show
Includes: History and modern shopping. -
Family Exploration (Full Day):
Morning: Cathedral → Library → Guangqi Park → Afternoon: Villa District Workshops → Evening: Metro City Food Court → Night: Cathedral Light Show
Best for: Families and architecture enthusiasts.
Ticket Purchase
- Free Entry: Most outdoor areas (cathedral exterior, park) are open to the public.
- Paid Attractions:
- Xujiahui Library: ¥20 (adults), ¥10 (students).
- Cathedral Interior: ¥30 (includes audio guide).
- Combo Ticket: ¥50 (library + cathedral + park).
- Online Booking: Available via WeChat mini-program “Xujiahui Source” up to 7 days in advance.
Transportation
- Subway: Line 1/9/11 → Xujiahui Station (Exit 2), 5-minute walk.
- Bus: Routes 43/50/72/122/167/198/Xumin Line → Xujiahui Station.
- Taxi: Direct to Xujiahui Cathedral (15min from downtown Shanghai).
- Self-Drive: Parking available at Grand Gateway Mall (¥10/hour).
Best Time & Tips
- Optimal Seasons: October–November (autumn foliage), December (cathedral Christmas market). Avoid July–August (rainy season).
- Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends see 80% more tourists.
- Essentials:
- Dress modestly for church visits (covers shoulders/knees).
- Photo permits required for library interiors.
- Cash for villa district craft shops.
- Prohibitions: No flash photography in cathedral; drones banned.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
