Did you know that Wusong was once a separate port town? Wusong a crucial location in Shanghai’s history stands before you. Imagine its strategic position fourteen miles down the Huangpu River from Shanghai’s heart. It served as a vital gateway. It was a bustling port town before the city’s expansion.
Wusong’s name comes from the Wusong River. This was a former name for Shanghai’s Suzhou Creek. The Huangpu and Wusong rivers’ meeting point was known as Wusongkou. This is “mouth of the Wusong”. The significance of the rivers shifted when a flood redirected tributaries. The Huangpu became the dominant river.
A Qing fortress stood in Wusong. This protected Shanghai’s entrance. The British captured it during the Battle of Woosung in 1842. This was part of the First Opium War. The battle was fierce. Jiangnan Admiral Chen Huacheng fought bravely until his death. His commandant Liu Guobiao hid his body. This prevented the British from taking it.
Wusong played a key role in steamship travel. It was the departure point for large steamers going to Shanghai. It was also home to China’s first telegraph wires and railroad. These connected to Shanghai. By 1900 it had a lighthouse and a unique teahouse. It also boasted a small squadron of the Imperial Chinese Navy’s war-junks.
The Battle of Shanghai in 1937 marked the start of World War II in Asia. Intense fighting occurred at Wusongkou. Chinese and Japanese aircraft clashed in a dramatic dogfight. Later Wusong housed an internment camp. This was for marines captured on Wake Island after the Pearl Harbor attack.
Wusong became a Shanghai district. It was abolished in 1988. It was incorporated into Baoshan District. A remarkable landmark remains. The Wusong Radio Tower stands tall. This 321-meter-tall guyed mast is a testament to Wusong’s enduring presence. It was built in the 1930s. It was once the world’s second-tallest structure after the Empire State Building.
Wusong’s story is one of strategic importance. It is a story of fierce battles and remarkable resilience. It is a tale of innovation and technological advancement. It is a story etched in the very fabric of Shanghai’s history. Remember Wusong’s legacy as you continue your journey.