Old City, Shanghai

The Old City of Shanghai represents the historical heart of the city, originally demarcated by defensive walls and serving as the administrative center for the former county of Shanghai. As Shanghai developed with the establishment of foreign concessions, the Old City remained an integral part of the urban core, maintaining its significance as the seat of Chinese authority in Shanghai.

Important landmarks in the Old City include the City God Temple, connected to Yuyuan Garden. Though many original walls were demolished in 1912, some remnants are part of Zhonghua Minguo Avenue (Republic of China), later renamed Renmin Road in 1950.

Over time, the boundaries of the Old City aligned with the Nanshi District, now incorporated into the Huangpu District. Today, visitors can explore well-preserved historical sites such as the Yuyuan Garden complex, surrounded by commercial streets and the City God Temple. While tourist materials may still refer to it as Nanshi District, it falls under Huangpu District jurisdiction.

The circular layout of the Old City is now marked by major thoroughfares, Renmin Road to the North and Zhonghua Road to the South. Additionally, Henan Road bisects the Old City from North to South. Traditional winding streets coexist with modern high-rise structures, showcasing a blend of historical and contemporary architecture.

In 2006, Shanghai's government enacted the Protection Plan for the Old City, safeguarding its historical and cultural significance. Despite this, certain streets like Dajing Road and West Fangbang Road are designated as protected areas, but face ongoing demolition projects. The Garden of the Fragrance of Dew, a significant part of the northwest quadrant, began demolition in 2002 for redevelopment, sparking controversy over the destruction of historical structures and parts of the city wall.