Seven hundred and sixty-six artifacts. That’s how many treasures the Museum of China Press and Publication holds. This Shanghai museum isn’t just about old newspapers. It’s a journey through China’s publishing history. A history born right here.
The Museum of China Press and Publication tells a captivating story. It begins in the late 19th century. Foreign missionaries and merchants started China’s modern publishing industry. One of the most influential publications was the Wanguo Gongbao. Also known as the Review of the Times it was founded in Shanghai in 1868.
The museum displays the fourth issue of this remarkable magazine. It shows how the publication evolved. It shifted from Christian evangelism to secular content. The articles covered everything from electricity to famine relief. The Wanguo Gongbao was widely read. It influenced many intellectuals. It spread ideas of universal education and women’s rights. Even Kang Youwei a late Qing reformer was a dedicated reader.
Inspired by the Wanguo Gongbao came the Shiwu Bao. The Chinese Progress was edited by Kang and his protégé Liang Qichao. Launched in 1896 in Shanghai it was hugely influential. It played a key role in the Hundred Days Reform Movement of 1898. Its reach extended across China even to Japan and Singapore. Liang’s article On the Benefits of Newspapers to State Affairs became a classic. Original issues are on display in the Museum of China Press and Publication. They show the breadth of topics covered. History political science and geography were all part of the newspaper’s content.
The Museum of China Press and Publication also showcases the Republican era. It features the first issue of New Youth. This legendary literary magazine was founded in Shanghai in 1915. Revolutionary communist Chen Duxiu founded it. He later established the Chinese Communist Party. New Youth spread Marxist ideas. It played a crucial role in the May Fourth Movement.
Shanghai became the center of China’s publishing industry during the Republican period. Over 80 percent of publishers were in Shanghai between 1912 and 1949. The museum highlights the press’s role in the vernacular movement. This was a key part of China’s modernization efforts. Lu Xun’s works are also exhibited. He was a key contributor to New Youth. He’s considered the founder of modern baihua or vernacular Chinese literature. The museum even features an original manuscript of the Chinese Vernacular Newspaper. It was the first of its kind targeting a peasant readership.
The Museum of China Press and Publication isn’t just a museum. It’s a testament to the power of print. It showcases Shanghai’s pivotal role in shaping modern China. It’s a story waiting to be discovered. A story that began here in Shanghai. Come and explore the history within the Museum of China Press and Publication. It’s a journey through time and ideas. It’s a must-see for any visitor to Shanghai.