In 1949, the People's Liberation Army made a concerted effort to safeguard historical buildings during the battle for Shanghai's liberation, and they continue to be treasured today, Xing Yi reports.

The opening of the campus of the East China University of Political Science and Law on Sept 23 marked the latest development in the "River and Creek" project which the Shanghai municipal government launched to provide more waterfront relaxation space for its citizens.

The campus comprises 27 heritage buildings, which have recently undergone renovations, and is where St John's University, founded by American missionaries in 1879, used to be situated. It is one of the country's major historical and cultural sites protected at the national level.

In terms of the number of historical buildings, as a Shanghai heritage site, the campus is second only to the Bund.