After four years of efforts, Shanghai Library has finished digitizing 100 years of print editions of China’s first English-language newspaper. (Photo/CNTV)

The newspaper attached importance to news coverage and reviews of current and diplomatic events. It gradually became a key source of information for expats in Shanghai, while Chinese officials and merchants also paid attention in order to understand foreign attitudes.

"The paper reported China from the perspective of western media, which is highly valuable as a reference to study Shanghai’s history. Even though it was founded by English merchants, it didn’t always hold the same stand as the British government. For example, it held a negative opinion of the Opium War." Lu said.

In 1921, the paper moved to No. 17 on the Bund, a 10-story structure that was the tallest office building in Shanghai at the time. The building is now home to an American Insurance company.

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