Visit Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Xuhui Campus

Reservation method: It's quite simple - same-day reservations are available, with slots opening at 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM daily. After booking, simply scan your ID card at the campus gate at 55 Guangyuan West Road to enter. The campus isn't very large, with its main highlights being buildings from the Republic of China era and earlier. The most notable is the Nanyang Public School Middle School Building, the university's oldest structure and the only teaching building dating back to the 19th century, representing the historical origin of SJTU's century-old campus. Shanghai Jiao Tong University traces its roots to Nanyang Public School, founded in 1896 (the 22nd year of Emperor Guangxu's reign). This explains the "1896" often seen in university references. Initially without its own campus, the school temporarily rented civilian houses near Xuhui for classes. After careful consideration by founder Sheng Xuanhuai and first principal He Sikun, land was purchased at the current location to build proper school facilities, with the Middle School Building being the first construction project. Designed and supervised by American supervisor John C. Ferguson (who also donated artifacts like the Small Ke Ding to Nanjing University), this three-story Western-style brick-wood structure broke ground in 1898 and was completed within a year. For its time in China, this was an exceptionally large and ambitious architectural project. Originally serving as student dormitories, it was named "Nanyang Public School Middle School Building" after its function. While still in use today, its purpose has significantly changed. Other notable buildings include the remarkable Republic-era gymnasium and the Administration Office Building with calligraphy by Hu Hanmin - most remain open for academic use. Visitors are advised to respect normal teaching activities, limiting themselves to exterior photography. QR codes at building entrances provide detailed historical information. The C.Y. Tung Maritime Museum on campus is open to the public and housed in another Republic-era building worth visiting for both its architecture and exhibitions. The Qian Xuesen Library is recommended as the final stop, as it follows a one-way route (enter from campus, exit from library). If you haven't finished touring, you'll need to circle back. For the best entrance photos, use the Huashan Road gate.