Hidden Gem in Shanghai: Hu Juewen's Life Achievements Exhibition

Location & How to Get There

Nestled in Jiading Museum at 215 Bole Road (near Qinghe Road intersection), this exhibition offers a quiet escape from Shanghai’s bustling city center. It’s a 30-minute metro ride from People’s Square via Line 11 (transfer at Jiaotong University for Line 11, then get off at Jiading North Station). From there, it’s a 10-minute walk or a short taxi ride. If driving, there’s free parking nearby, and the museum’s red-brick exterior makes it easy to spot.

Natural Charm Around the Area

The museum sits in a leafy neighborhood, with tall trees lining the streets—perfect for a leisurely pre-visit stroll. In autumn, the courtyard glows with golden ginkgo leaves, while spring brings cherry blossoms. A small garden inside the museum has traditional stone pavilions and ponds, ideal for capturing Instagram-worthy photos.

Dive Into Hu Juewen’s Story

Hu Juewen’s Life Achievements Exhibition celebrates the legacy of a pioneering Chinese industrialist and educator. Through vintage photos, letters, and machinery models, you’ll learn how Hu founded China’s first private machine-building factory in 1930s Shanghai. Interactive screens let you explore his efforts to promote education and resist Japanese occupation during WWII. Even if you don’t know Chinese, the English captions and artifacts paint a vivid picture of his life.

Cultural Highlights

The museum blends old and new: the exhibit hall combines Qing-dynasty architecture with modern displays. One room shows Hu’s original office desk, while another loops a short film about his journey. Kids might enjoy the miniature model of his 1940s factory, complete with moving parts. History buffs will appreciate the timeline tracing China’s industrial growth.

Practical Tips for Visiting

  • Hours: Open daily 9 AM–5 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).
  • Tickets: Free! Just show ID at the counter.
  • Guided Tours: Available in English on weekends (check ahead).
  • Facilities: Clean restrooms, a small café serving tea and snacks, and a gift shop with books on Shanghai’s history.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Plan for 1–2 hours to fully explore Hu Juewen’s Life Achievements Exhibition. Start with the timeline wall to grasp Hu’s era, then dive into interactive sections where you can “build” a virtual factory. The highlight? A reconstructed 1930s office where Hu worked—sit at his desk and imagine signing deals! End your visit on the rooftop, which offers views of Jiading’s skyline.

Nearby Attractions & Eats

Afterward, walk 15 minutes to Qianmen Street for local snacks like nanxiang xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). For lunch, try Hongba Lou Restaurant, known for its Jiangsu-style dishes. Combine this with a visit to Jiading Kongfu Temple for a full day trip.

Why It’s Worth a Detour

Unlike crowded spots like The Bund, Hu Juewen’s Life Achievements Exhibition feels intimate. It’s perfect for travelers who want to skip tourist traps and dive into Shanghai’s layered history. Bonus: The staff are friendly and eager to share stories—ask them about Hu’s connections to modern China!

Come here to see beyond Shanghai’s skyscrapers and discover the people who shaped its soul.