
In 1905, Ma Xiangbo founded Fudan University, a gesture of not forgetting the legacy of Zhendan and embodying the meaning of revitalizing China. The name "Fudan" comes from the poem "Qingyun Ge" (The Song of the Clouds) in the Biography of Yu and Xia in the Book of Documents. It reads: "The clouds are radiant, shimmering and intertwined. The sun and moon shine, and day after day, they return to the heavens."
In 1951, at the request of President Chen Wangdao, Chairman Mao Zedong inscribed the name of Fudan University. Fudan University enlarged and reproduced the inscription to create the plaque on the school gate and reduced it to be used on envelopes, letterheads, the school emblem, and diploma covers, a practice that continues to this day.
The university has four campuses, forming a "one body and two wings" campus layout: Handan Campus and Jiangwan New Campus form the one, and Fenglin Campus and Zhangjiang Campus form the two wings. It covers an area of 2.4499 million square meters, with a building area of 1.9822 million square meters.
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School History Museum
Originally named Yizhu Hall, it was completed in 1921 and was one of the first three buildings built when Fudan University moved to the Jiangwan Campus (now the Handan Campus) in 1922. It is also the oldest building on the Fudan campus to remain in its original form. Since its completion, Yizhu Hall has housed the university's offices, library, Chinese Department, Economics Department, and archives, witnessing Fudan's 100-year history. During its centennial celebration, it was converted into the University History Museum.
Xianghuitang
Located in the central and western part of the Fudan campus north of Handan Road, it was built in 1905. It is the most historically significant building on the Fudan University campus and has witnessed the vicissitudes of Fudan over a century.
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
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All day
Fudan University, founded in 1905, is one of China’s top universities, known for its academic excellence and historic role in modern Chinese education.
Located in Yangpu District, Shanghai. Accessible via Metro Line 10 (Fudan University Station), bus routes, or taxi from central Shanghai.
The campus is generally open from 7:00 to 18:00. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking the campus when the weather is mild and foliage is scenic.
Entrance to the campus is free. Museum or special exhibitions may charge a small fee, usually purchasable on-site.
No advance booking is needed for general campus access. For museum exhibits or special events, check online or contact the university in advance.
1–3 hours for a campus walk; 2–4 hours if visiting museums or attending lectures.
Guided tours are available by appointment, mainly in Chinese; English tours may be arranged in advance through the university.
The campus generally closes in the evening. Special night events or cultural exhibitions may occasionally be hosted; check university announcements.
Less crowded on weekdays, early mornings, and outside of university term times. Peak times are weekends and public holidays.
Public toilets, campus cafes, vending machines, rest areas, and university shops are available.
Most campus areas are accessible; however, some older buildings may have limited access for disabled visitors. Paths are suitable for children and elderly with moderate mobility.
Cash, cards, and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted at campus cafes and shops.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available at campus eateries; halal options are limited in the immediate area.
Several hotels and guesthouses are nearby in Yangpu District and along Wujiaochang area, ranging from budget to mid-range.
University shops sell branded merchandise like stationery, apparel, and memorabilia featuring Fudan University logos.
Metro Line 10 or taxis provide convenient access to central Shanghai or nearby attractions. Buses also connect to other districts efficiently.