Recently, the air in Wanzhu Garden of Shanghai Gongqing Forest Park was filled with the fragrance of ink, as a special literary gathering took place. The event featured the launch of the new book Looking Back, a collection of documentary prose by the renowned military writer Zhou Jianxin from Yangpu, as well as the unveiling of "Zhao Yong Book House". Through the power of literature, the event wove together the urban fabric and cultural nostalgia of Yangpu, infusing the construction of the people's city with a touch of poetic grace.

After the success of Stories of Wujiaochang, another brilliant work emerges: Looking Back that portrays urban nostalgia

Zhou Jianxin, a writer from Yangpu and a member of the Shanghai Writers' Association, has had a diverse career, serving in the military for many years before moving into corporate management. With over three decades of life in Wujiaochang, his experiences are deeply intertwined with the area. His previous book, Stories of Wujiaochang published last year, enjoys great popularity among readers for its unique narrative style, showcasing the distinctive charm and rich cultural heritage of Wujiaochang. It has become a cultural symbol, reflecting both the century-long evolution of the area and the people's city concept.

Now, with Looking Back, Zhou continued his exploration of urban nostalgia through four sections: "Military Life", "Hometown", "Encounter", and "Discovery". The book weaves together snapshots of his youthful military experiences, the warmth and coldness of urban life, the deep nostalgia of a wanderer looking back at his roots, and the poetic interactions with the world.

"My literary journey began in my hometown, yet it flourished in the city. As the neon glow of Wujiaochang illuminates my path, I'm often reminded of the riverboats in my Jiangnan hometown," Zhou said. "Maybe, in a way, we spend our entire lives writing the stories of homecoming."

Wanzhu Garden welcomes a new literati book house in Yangpu

The event also featured the inauguration of "Zhao Yong Book House" on the first floor of Wanzhu Garden. Zhao Yong, previously serving as Disciplinary Secretary of Shanghai Chengtou Property Group, spent over two decades compiling rare primary sources. His post-retirement work, A Bay of the Huangpu River, chronicles his personal experiences and keen observations of New Jiangwan City's metamorphosis from planning to construction, offering valuable insights for regional development studies and shedding light on the lesser-known stories of this area.

The book house showcases thousands of books on urban planning, local literature and history, ecological construction, and more. It also houses hundreds of autographed copies from renowned Shanghai authors. This book house serves as a new hub for literary enthusiasts to exchange ideas. "This book house is truly for everyone. I hope it becomes a space where more people can contribute to the ongoing urban narratives of Yangpu and Shanghai, and connect with the heartbeat of the city's growth," Zhao said.

At the event, a constellation of writers and scholars convened, their conversations flowing freely as they explored the topic of "how literature can provide a home for urban nostalgia", all the while contributing valuable insights for the advancement of Yangpu's cultural undertakings.

The essence of reading lies in its immersive ambiance. This literary event infused fresh dynamism into Yangpu's "Scent of Books" initiative. Looking ahead, this area is poised to ignite the engine of urban rejuvenation through the creation of additional cultural landmarks, the nurturing of homegrown creativity, and the expansion of reading initiatives for all. Yangpu's cultural heritage is taking deeper root, poised for a renaissance in seasons to come.