New book explores the history of Shanghai's Yuyuan Road

A new book about the history of Yuyuan Road in Shanghai's Changning district is being promoted at the ongoing 2026 Shanghai Book Fair via an exhibition.

The exhibition covers the themes of Shanghai alleys, streets and study rooms, the scientist Qian Xuesen and Shanghai’s silicon alley.

Xu Jinjiang, researcher and head of the city culture innovation research institute at Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, author of A History of Yuyuan Road, said the book reconstructs the spatial transformation process of the location from a water town to a famous block through a period of more than 160 years.

Xu uses more than 100 separate stories, 200 rare photos and 30 interviewees to expound on the history Yuyuan Road.

An "opening the book together" activity invites locals and tourists to participate in reading and sharing the book during the exhibition.

Sun Ganlu, chairman of the Shanghai Writers' Association, said: "Yuyuan Road enjoys a long history.

"It is a good experience to explore the history of Yuyuan Road through reading the book."

The Shanghai Book Fair runs until August 18.