As an important tributary of the Huangpu River, the Suzhou River, a.k.a the Wusong River, has witnessed the literal "sea change" that the metropolis of Shanghai has undergone over time. In the 1920s and 1930s the river teemed with boats and ships engaging in prosperous trade. Later on a large-scale area accommodating industrial warehouses and factory buildings mostly made up of national industry formed all the way from the Wai Bai Du Bridge to today's outer ring. Nowadays, as Shanghai's industrial structure adjusts, the warehouses and factory buildings flanking the Suzhou River have one by one lost their originally intended functions.

The "Shanghai historical and cultural areas and outstanding historical buildings protection ordinance", as promulgated and put into effect in January 2003, provides an effective legal basis for the preservation of the industrial structures flanking the Suzhou River. Thanks to steadfast efforts of all interested parties, now over 100 of the architectural structures located in the warehouse complex flanking the Suzhou River have undergone renovations aimed at "preserving original features while upgrading functionality.” The remodeled fruit warehouse in particular became the first remodeling project granted the prestigious award for its conservation of old industrial sites. Properly protecting and re-using the deserted industrial structures flanking the Suzhou River not only preserves a precious piece of history to be passed on to future generations, but also serves as a prerequisite and basis for the development, renewal and industrial transformation of the areas flanking the Suzhou River.

Contact person: Hang Yan
Telephone number: 86-21-63193188-14011
E-mail：megyan@hotmail.com