Miaohang

Have you heard of a town named after a typo? Right here in Shanghai, Miaohang Town owes its name to a reporter’s error during the Battle of Songhu in 1932. Originally, the area was known as “Miao Xiang,” referring to a local temple and the lane leading to it. Fierce fighting broke out here, with the 19th Route Army bravely resisting the Japanese advance. Reporters, caught in the chaos, misheard “Miao Xiang” as “Miaohang.” The name, signifying a “temple lane,” stuck, and Miaohang it became. Miaohang, part of Shanghai’s Baoshan District, sits between the inner and outer ring roads, a mere 8 kilometers from Shanghai’s new passenger station. In 1956, Miaohang officially became a town. Later, in 1993, it transitioned to a more urban structure. Today, Miaohang encompasses just under 6 square kilometers and boasts convenient access to the city center thanks to the Gonghexin Road viaduct and rail transit line 1. The town government, once situated at the crossroads of Gonghe New Road and Gongkang intersection, now resides at 2699 Changjiang West Road. Miaohang has seen substantial growth, particularly during the “Eleventh Five Year Plan” period. Economic output and local fiscal revenue saw impressive annual growth, leading to significant developments like the Junli Fortune Building and the Shanghai Intellectual Industrial Park. Miaohang also takes pride in its commitment to a healthy environment. It holds the titles of National Health Town and National Beautiful Environment Town. Parks such as Miaohang Park, Gonghe Park, and Intelligence Park offer green escapes. Miaohang blends its historical roots with a focus on modern development. From a temple lane to a thriving town, Miaohang’s journey embodies the dynamic spirit of Shanghai.