Former Site of Xuhui Public School

Former Site of Xuhui Public School

Xuhui Middle School (originally named Xuhui Public School) was founded in 1850 as one of the earliest schools in Shanghai established according to the Western educational model. It has been hailed as "the first Western-style school" or "the first school to bring Western learning to the East." The school was founded in the 30th year of the Qing Dynasty's Daoguang reign (1850) by Catholic missionary Father Naniglo. Initially dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola as its patron saint, it was early on called St. Ignatius Public School. Also, because it was located in Xujiahui, it was referred to as Xujiahui Public School, or simply Xuhui Public School. It was one of the earliest church schools established by the Catholic Church in China. In 1932, it was renamed Private Xuhui Middle School of Shanghai, still under the administration of the Catholic Church. In 1953, it became a public school and was renamed Shanghai Xuhui Middle School. The renowned educator Ma Xiangbo (1840–1939) graduated from this school and served as its principal from 1871 to 1874.

The existing Chongsi Building, completed in 1918, is the only remaining structure from Xuhui Public School. Its exterior features a brick-and-stone structure, while the interior is mainly wooden. The four-story building is designed in the French Renaissance architectural style. In 1994, it was designated by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government as an Outstanding Historical Building. In 2014, it was listed as a Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government.

Address: No. 68 Hongqiao Road

Website: xhzx.xhedu.sh.cn

Opening Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00–16:30; during winter and summer vacations: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays

Admission: Free entry