Shanghai Changning Children's Palace, Cultural heritage building in Changning District, China
The Shanghai Changning Children's Palace is a large mansion featuring European architectural design with approximately 40 rooms, marble columns, and Gothic arches inside. The property includes an expansive garden in the Chinese style, complete with streams, bridges, and small pavilions spread throughout the grounds.
The building was constructed between 1932 and 1934 as a residence for Wang Boqun, a government official of the Kuomintang. Following its initial use, it served as a prison and later as a diplomatic building before becoming an educational institution in 1960.
Today it operates as an educational center where local children take classes in various art forms and music. The rooms come alive with the sounds of practice and instruction, showing how the space has become a hub for creative learning in the neighborhood.
The site is typically accessible during program sessions and events, as it remains an active learning facility rather than a museum. It is wise to check in advance for visiting times, since regular classes take priority in scheduling.
The garden contains a magnolia tree that is over 120 years old, making it one of the oldest specimens of its kind in the city. This ancient tree stands as a quiet reminder of the property's long life, offering a connection to the past amid urban surroundings.
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