China Memories: Streetscapes in 董家渡 Dongjiadu, October 2011

I landed in Shanghai in 2011, and was soon living near the 南浦大桥 Nanpu Bridge on the 浦东 Pudong side of the river. Everyday I used to take a bus to 杨浦 Yangpu. The view from the circular off-ramp from the bridge overlooked 董家渡 Dongjiadu, and in particular, 董家渡天主堂 St. Francis Xavier Church or Dongjiadu Cathedral. So naturally, I went to explore this area when I got some free time (after my first cricket season with the Bashers CC had ended).

St. Francis Xavier Church was constructed from 1849-53 in a neo-baroque style, although this really applies only to the front facade. The other elevations are a little underwhelming, and I never got back to see the interiors (open during mass). There was a considerable restoration project that stabilized the foundations and removed some of the ancillary buildings after I left China in 2018.

This whole area was in a transition from the old 里弄 lilong neighbourhoods, with many abandoned or in the process of demolition. The vibrant streetscape with small shops and vendors was still operating despite these changes, providing active streets and protecting the communities behind.

Note: these photos are from late autumn in Shanghai, with a heavy overcast (polluted?) sky. The air quality improved considerably the longer I lived in the city. Photos by the Author, 29 October 2011.