On June 28, 2025, the special exhibition The Road to Self-Strengthening and Rising: Shanghai Shipbuilding Industry History, hosted by the Shanghai History Museum, officially opened to the public. Centered on the shipbuilding industry—a pivotal sector in the annals of China’s industrial development—the exhibition systematically traces Shanghai’s century-long evolution from the "hometown of sand ships" to the "heart of China’s shipbuilding industry" through detailed historical records, precious physical artifacts, and interactive digital displays. It vividly showcases Shanghai’s indomitable spirit of striving for excellence and its courage to innovate.
From the trial voyage of China’s first self-built steamship, the Huanghu Steamer, in 1865, to the successful delivery of the domestically produced large cruise ship *Adora Magic City* in 2023, the exhibition weaves together Shanghai’s urban memory with the development trajectory of "key national projects," profoundly retracing the century-long journey and mission of Shanghai’s shipbuilding industry.
The first unit of the exhibition, titled "The Begining of Shanghai’s Shipbuliding Industy", begins with the "shachuan" (local sailing vessels) that were prevalent in Shanghai during the Ming and Qing dynasties, tracing the rise of key shipyards and shipping enterprises in Shanghai by the late 19th century. Through exhibits such as Records of the Jiangnan Shipyard and the Seal of Zeng Guofan, visitors can gain insight into the unprecedented challenges faced by the shipbuilding industry after the Opium Wars, as well as how Shanghai emerged as the birthplace of modern China’s shipbuilding industry amid such epochal upheaval.
Records of the Jiangnan Shipyard.
This book divides the historical evolution of Jiangnan Shipyard into three eras: the Era of Jiangnan Arsenal, the Era of Jiangnan Dockyard, and the Era of Jiangnan Shipyard itself, documenting the development status of each period. Richly illustrated and meticulously documented, it holds significant historical value.
The second unit focuses on the sense of mission and responsibility of shipyard workers amid the tides of the times. From the May Fourth Movement to the War of Resistance against Japan, from workers' armed uprisings to underground anti-enemy operations, their presence was unwavering. Behind each seemingly unadorned exhibit lies a story marked by their presence—testaments to the lofty aspirations of the working class to save the nation and its people amid national crises. Their contributions and sacrifices amid the revolutionary upheavals and shifting tides of modern Shanghai form an indelible red undercurrent in the city’s collective memory.
Three-layer Biscuit Packaging Box of Shanghai Taifeng Food Co., Ltd.
Before the First Shanghai Workers' Armed Uprising in 1926, Yang Peisheng dispatched two workers from Boyd & Co. to Hengbang Bridge to make contact and deliver weapons. The other party sent a three-layer Taifeng biscuit tin as cover: the top two layers contained biscuits, while the bottom layer held bullets. This clever method allowed them to evade checks by police officers. This artifact bears witness to the wisdom and courage of Shanghai's shipbuilding industry workers in participating in the New Democratic Revolution.
The third unit showcases the journey of brand-new development undergone by Shanghai's shipbuilding industry after the founding of New China. A series of "firsts in China" achievements and a number of industry-leading technological breakthroughs embody the era's spirit of self-reliance and perseverance, writing a brilliant new chapter in the history of China's industrial development. Not only does this represent a shining achievement of "Made in Shanghai," but it also provides a vivid footnote to the construction of an industrial powerhouse in the new era.
Dongfeng Ship Model
The "Dongfeng" ship, built by Jiangnan Shipyard, was launched in 1960 and delivered in 1965. This was the first 10,000-ton ocean-going cargo ship independently designed and constructed by the Chinese people, almost entirely equipped with domestically produced equipment. It embodied the aspirations of a generation of Chinese for self-reliance, self-strengthening, and independent innovation, and stood as a significant industrial achievement during the period of self-reliance in New China. Its indicators, including speed, cargo capacity, and steel consumption, all reached internationally advanced levels at the time.
To enhance the exhibition experience, the event has specially set up a "Science Popularization Wall" that provides plain-language explanations for professional terms such as "nautical mile," "gantry crane," and "cruiser," helping visitors better grasp the exhibition content. Among the interactive displays, audiences can review key points of the exhibition via a quiz wall and redeem commemorative tickets; they can also use AI to design their ideal future ships. These diverse exhibition formats not only boost the event’s appeal but also create a summer "second classroom" for young visitors that blends education with immersive engagement.
The Road to Self-Strengthening and Rising: Shanghai Shipbuilding Industry History Exhibition
Exhibition Dates: June 28, 2025 – October 8, 2025
Venue: 1st Floor, East Building, Shanghai History Museum
No reservation required; free admission.
