Forgotten factories or flourishing art districts? That’s the paradox of Suzhou Creek. Suzhou Creek, also known as the Wusong River, is more than just a waterway. It’s a liquid timeline of Shanghai’s dramatic transformation.
The story of Shanghai is closely linked to Suzhou Creek. This creek evolved from a humble fishing village to a cosmopolitan financial hub. Suzhou Creek stretches 125 kilometers. Fifty-four kilometers of it wind through Shanghai. For locals, Suzhou Creek embodies Shanghai’s historical shifts.
Originally named Wusong River, it became Suzhou Creek because foreigners frequently boated from Shanghai to Suzhou during the concession era. Old Shanghainese see it as the divider between the affluent concessions and the impoverished neighborhoods. Artists have captured its unique atmosphere. The winding Suzhou Creek mirrors Shanghai’s ever-changing narrative.
Flowing east into the Huangpu River, Suzhou Creek became a magnet for impressive architecture during Shanghai’s rapid growth. The British Consulate, Ritz Hotel, and St. John’s University were erected along its banks.
The creek’s banks once housed large factories. Recently, the government has relocated these factories. Now painters and artists are converting these spacious workshops into studios and galleries. M50 Creative Park stands out as a prime example. Unlike the art scene on Taikang Road, M50 features a more rugged warehouse aesthetic.
The Sihang Warehouse, situated on Suzhou Creek’s northern bank, played a crucial role during the Battle of Songhu in 1937. From October 26 to November 1, the Defense of Sihang Warehouse boosted the morale of Chinese soldiers and citizens demoralized by the conflict. The soldiers involved in this defense were hailed as “The Eight Hundred”.
The Battle of Songhu erupted on August 13, 1937. For over two months, Chinese and Japanese forces clashed. By late October, the Chinese army retreated from Shanghai. A lone force remained to resist.
From October 26 to 30, 1937, soldiers from the First Battalion, 524th Regiment, 88th Division, defended the Sihang Warehouse. They fought fiercely against the Japanese army for four days and nights. They repelled numerous attacks, earning them recognition at home and abroad as “The Eight Hundred”.
Sihang Warehouse was a sturdy concrete structure. Its thick walls were impenetrable to Japanese tanks. The warehouse’s location across Suzhou Creek from the British concession prevented the Japanese from using heavy artillery.
Suzhou Creek became a fragile boundary between war and peace. Refugees sought refuge in the concessions. They crossed Suzhou Creek’s bridges.
The first bridge over Suzhou Creek, Wells Bridge, appeared in the late 19th century. It connected the British and American concessions. Originally a wooden structure, it was replaced in the 1920s by the steel Garden Bridge of Shanghai or Waibaidu Bridge.
From the late 19th to the early 20th century, 18 bridges spanned Suzhou Creek in Shanghai. Many were initially wooden. They were later rebuilt with reinforced concrete in the early 20th century. The concession’s Ministry of Industry oversaw much of this construction. Most bridges are concentrated in Suzhou Creek’s eastern section. They showcase European urban arch bridge designs.
The youngest bridge is Luding Road Bridge constructed in 2010. Changshou Road Bridge is the first bridge built after Shanghai’s liberation in 1953.
Suzhou Creek displays Western-style buildings. These include the Shanghai General Post Office and the former British Consulate. These buildings evoke Shanghai’s nostalgic past. They form a part of the city’s history.
The Shanghai General Post Office, located at the north end of Sichuan Road Bridge, is a highlight. Built in the 1920s, the eight-story building features a baroque terrace. Its completion marked a milestone. It was Shanghai’s first steel-structure and brick-wall building.
The Shanghai Municipal Government started a cleanup effort in 1996, supported by the Asian Development Bank. It gave Suzhou Creek a new lease on life.
Today, you can stroll along Suzhou Creek’s revitalized waterfront. Once marked by factories and pollution, the area now features parks and green spaces. The transformation of Suzhou Creek reflects Shanghai’s commitment to preserving its history. It also shows its dedication to creating a vibrant urban environment for future generations. Suzhou Creek stands as a symbol of Shanghai’s enduring spirit.