As early summer unfolds, the old streets in the southern part of Fudan University are shedding their aged exteriors and being revitalized at the crossroads of knowledge and everyday life.

The project, spearheaded by the Yangpu Bureau of Greening and Urban Appearance Management, has breathed new life into the area south of Handan Road at Fudan University. With a gentle touch, it has woven together leisurely strolls, architectural narratives, social hubs, and cultural displays into a cohesive green axis. This revitalized space now stands as a unique intersection of local charm and academic elegance in Yangpu.

Century-old Legacy

As Fudan University approaches its 120th anniversary, a collaborative renewal effort has been launched. Inspired by the idea of a "museum-style neighborhood", the project redefines the spatial narrative. Around the Museum of The Communist Manifesto (Chen Wangdao's Former Residence), red columns stand tall, complemented by orange tactile paving that stretches like arteries, harmonizing with the hall's rich red legacy.

Cultural Corner

The transformation of "cultural buildings" is the heart of this renewal. At the intersection of Guoshun Road and Zhengxiu Road, long-dormant old shops have been revitalized into a "neighborhood coffee box". In a pocket garden around the corner, students and residents sit together. This spot doubles as a community service hub and a cultural oasis. A stone's throw away, on the ground floor of Nanyuan Restaurant, the "Food & Book Hub" blends the scents of coffee and literature. Residents can meander over to the bookshelves after a meal and pick up a book to read at their leisure.

Fence Corridor

The "fence corridor" blurs the lines between campus and community. At Zhengsu Road Stadium, solid walls have given way to airy railings and lush hedges, offering glimpses of the vibrant activity within through the foliage. This "disappearing wall" signifies the shift from separation to integration between the university and the city. The Fudan green axis system weaves together the campus and neighborhood, creating a seamless corridor for strolling, socializing, and cultural experiences.

Shared Garden

The transformation of Jingshi Bookstore is a standout feature of the project. An old, unused parking lot has been repurposed into a lush space with tree-lined areas and sunlit lawns. This design enhances the visual appeal of the walking paths and provides residents with a delightful natural setting to unwind in during their free time.

With fences thrown open and integrated with the university library, the campus's once grey areas now bloom as inviting lawns and gardens. Here, the university-city integration goes beyond words. The southern area of Fudan University has been revitalized. It not only refreshes the look of this 120-year institution but also warmly embraces the essence of a city built for its people.

Heartwarming Nightscape

By day, the district is a scenic delight; by night, it transforms into a twinkling wonderland. Strings of colorful lights dangle from the trees, and reed lamps in the flower beds cast a gentle glow, guiding the way for Fudan students and residents making their way home.

This "borderless" approach ensures that Yangpu is imbued with the rich cultural heritage of the century-old university, making it an ideal place for both learning and living.