When it reopened in 2018, Columbia Circle became a multifunctional complex for offices, retail stores, restaurants and cafes, and was listed as one of the most popular leisure spots in the city.

Zhang Weixing, chief designer at Shanghai Vanke Co, said the company partnered with Dutch architecture firm, Office for Metropolitan Architecture, to reinvent the place.

"The project team solicited opinions from the local government, residents and academics," he said. "We wanted to position it as a creative space for business and a cultural hub for locals."

Zheng Lili, a graduate student at Donghua University, said she occasionally visits boutique clothing stores or exhibitions within Colombia Circle.

"I like the mix of modern elements in this historic site," she said. "The cafes by the swimming pool are my favorite place to hang out with friends."