On the afternoon of February 5, more than 60 international students from over 40 countries visited the Shanghai Archives for a winter learning experience that used historical documents as a lens to understand China. Through rare records, photographs, and artifacts, they traced Shanghai’s transformation across more than a century—connecting with the city’s past and present in a quiet dialogue across time.

Nearly 1,000 exhibits laid out Shanghai’s journey from its opening as a port in 1843 to the modern metropolis it is today. Among them: the first full Chinese translation of The Communist Manifesto, a replica of a shikumen lane house echoing with everyday life, planning documents that marked Pudong’s early development, and walls of photographs capturing decades of reform and opening up. Each file and image pieced together a living memory of the city.To help students grasp the stories behind the objects, the archives offered guided tours in both Chinese and English, walking them through Shanghai’s struggles, transformations, and longstanding openness to the world.

At the archives’ reference service center, staff introduced the university students to the facility’s digital public services and its access policies for foreign researchers. Using the Shanghai Archives Information Network or the “Shanghai Archives” WeChat mini-program, users can search open catalogues and view digitized materials online. Foreign nationals with valid passports may also schedule appointments to consult physical collections. These resources, widely praised by the students, now support their academic research and thesis writing.

More than a history lesson, the visit became a bridge across cultures. Through documents and records, international students encountered a Shanghai that is layered, tangible, and alive—and in the exchange of perspectives, the city’s story reached new ears. What lives in the archives now travels further into the world.

I truly enjoyed my visit to the Shanghai Archives today. What struck me first was the professionalism and order—the bright, well-organized reading rooms reflect a high standard of modern management. Learning that the collection holds over six million records gave me a deep appreciation for the weight of Shanghai’s history. Every file, every page holds a piece of the city’s memory.

What impressed me most, however, was the digitization work. With just a few clicks, vast amounts of historical materials become accessible—a tremendous boost for researchers. The staff’s thoughtful explanations also showed me how open and academically engaged the Archives truly are.

I left with more than I came with. This place is not just a repository of the past, but a bridge that connects memory to thought, and yesterday to tomorrow.

—— BOLLAHI EL HASSEN (Ha San), Mauritania

This visit was a journey of discovery. I came not only to learn about Shanghai’s rich history, but to see firsthand how a city preserves its memory—and passes it on. The scale of the collection, the scholarly rigor, the quiet precision of how everything is organized—it leaves you in awe.

What moved me most was the warmth of the people here. The staff didn’t just present history; they brought it within reach. In their hands, the past became something you could speak with, not just look at. A living classroom, not a closed book.

—— AKHMEDOVA ZUHRO (An Ran), Tajikistan

 Today I visited the Shanghai Archives, and it really opened my eyes. I had no idea they held more than six million records — Shanghai’s history runs much deeper than I imagined. A lot of the materials have already been digitized, which makes research so much easier. That thoughtful touch didn’t go unnoticed.

What stayed with me was the guided tour. The staff explained everything clearly and with real patience. I even had a chance to talk with a few other international visitors along the way — unexpectedly nice.

I used to think of an archives as a place where old documents sleep. But this felt different. More like a bridge — connecting Shanghai’s past to its present. After today, I feel closer to this city, and a little more at home in it.

Thank you to the teachers and the Archives for making this happen. A day well spent.

—— ABDYRAHYMOV SHANAZAR (Mu Shan), Turkmenistan

Today was a special day for me. This visit helped me understand Shanghai’s history more deeply — and made me fall in love with this beautiful city all over again. Its extraordinary past and rich culture are what make Shanghai forever a “must visit” place in my heart. Thank you to everyone who made today possible.

—— Eugene Eugelyn, Haiti

Glad to share that today we visited the Shanghai Municipal Archives in Pudong, Shanghai, China. As a research scholar, I observed that the Archives offer a highly professional and well-organized research environment. I was particularly impressed to learn that the institution houses approximately six million archival items, reflecting the depth and breadth of Shanghai’s historical and administrative records. Moreover, the environment is exceptionally neat and well maintained, underscoring a strong institutional commitment to research and preservation standards. Notably, the vast majority of archival sources are accessible in digital format, which greatly facilitates scholarly work. The archival staff were respectful, supportive, and provided a clear briefing on the history and holdings of the Archives. Overall, the Shanghai Municipal Archives represents a model institution for modern archival management and academic research support.

—— Muhammad Ibrahim, Pakistan

Visiting the Shanghai Archives today was an informative journey through time. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and the millions of archives were well organized. Seeing the original documents, some over a century old, felt like entering a hushed time capsule of Shanghai’s history and growth journey. Handling Shanghai’s history up close and in its original form made the whole experience deeply rewarding and inspiring. Definitely a treasure trove for every international student interested in this city’s layered history.

—— Eddah Sure (Su Danni), Kenya

Until today, I knew that Shanghai was built from nothing. But today, I truly felt its journey—the struggle of how a world-class city was built while facing countless challenges, including devastating wars and tremendous sacrifice. This visit has left me with wonderful memories, and I would say it stands as an outstanding example for developing nations around the world.

—— Mohammed Shahinur Karim (Ka Rui), Bangladesh

As an international culture heritage PhD student at Shanghai University, I had the opportunity to visit many cities across China & experienced diverse culture heritage sites & many festivals. Each experience has deepened my understanding of Chinese culture & strengthened my appreciation for its rich traditions. Today visiting the Shanghai Municipal Archives was especially meaningful, as the historical records of Shanghai are excellently preserved in digital form. The clear explanations from the Chinese speakers helped us learned new and valuable info about the city's history. I'm truly grateful to the International Students Officers and team workers, the speakers for their efforts in making this cultural experience possible. It was an unforgettable and enriching experience.

—— Gohar Alam (Gao Shijing), Pakistan

It was truly magnificent to observe all the main historical events archived and gathered at one place, Shanghai  has been through a lot of changes and event, so I like to include that as we say in Iran “A nation that does not know its history is doomed to repeat it.” It’s truly important to remember and learn your own history.

—— Rauf (Fang Jiewei), Iran

Source: Shanghai University