An Immersive Practice Class on “Urban Renewal and Community Governance”: Tongji International Students Visit 228 Neighborhood in Yangpu District

On April 16, 2025, the International Students Office and the School of Political Science and International Relations of Tongji University, in collaboration with the Changbai New Village Subdistrict of Yangpu District, and the Yangpu District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, jointly organized a field trip with the theme of “Urban Renewal and Community Governance”, creating an immersive practice class for 30 international students from 12 countries including Germany, Italy, and Australia. This practical experience was part of the internationalization strategy of the School of Political Science & International Relations and was integrated with the "Studies on China’s Urbanization" course taught by Associate Professor Zhong Xiaohua. The event followed a "theory lecture - on-site learning - practical dialogue" model, providing students with insights into China’s urbanization journey.

The Changbai 228 neighborhood in Yangpu District, which was nominated for the 2023 United Nations Habitat Award and featured in the 2024 "Shanghai Handbook," serves as a vibrant example of China’s urban renewal efforts. Known for its unique "plain walls and red tiles" industrial heritage architecture and innovative community governance model, the neighborhood was an ideal site for international students to explore the code of urbanization in China. A bilingual team of local youth leaders and volunteers guided the students through various spaces, including the Ke Yu Talent Apartments, the Yangpu Neighborhood Market, a community canteen, the Workers' New Village Museum, and the community Party-mass activity center.

During a discussion session, Chen Yili, Director of the International Students Office, Xie Jing, Deputy Director of the Changbai New Village Subdistrict, and Associate Professor Zhong Xiaohua engaged with the students in an in-depth conversation on topics such as historical and cultural preservation, sustainable development, urban renewal, and social governance. They also extended an invitation to the students to get involved in professional research, community service, and volunteer activities in the community.

The event received strong support from the Yangpu District Bureau of Culture and Tourism. The students who participated in the trip shared that it gave them a deeper understanding of a Shanghai community that successfully blends historical preservation with modern innovation. The visit allowed them to better grasp the governance and practical innovations of the transformation of China’s megacities. The activity highlighted the integration of academic learning with real-world community engagement.