Bibliotheca Zi-Ka-Wei Reopens With a Journey Across Time and Space
With over a century of history, the Bibliotheca Zi-Ka-Wei – Shanghai's earliest and best-preserved modern library – reopened to the public on September 27 after a year of restoration.
The origins of the library date back to 1847, while the current building was completed in 1897. Incorporated into the Shanghai Library in 1956, the Bibliotheca Zi-Ka-Wei today houses a remarkable collection of pre-1950 foreign-language publications. The holdings, totaling over 200,000 volumes in nearly 20 languages, span themes such as Sinology and East-West cultural exchange.
In 2024, the library underwent a comprehensive restoration. The project preserved its classic architectural style and elegant interior layout to the greatest extent, while introducing modern facilities.
To mark the reopening, the library is hosting its first exhibition after renovation: "Across Time and Space – The Oriental Charm in the Artworks of 19th-Century British Royal Architects."
The exhibition showcases more than 140 precious original copperplate engravings by Thomas Allom (1804-1872), a British royal architect, offering visitors a unique dialogue between East and West across time.
Born in London in the early 19th century, Thomas Allom was the designer of landmarks such as St Peter's Church in Notting Hill and the William Brown Library and Museum in Liverpool.
Although he never set foot in China, Allom vividly depicted Chinese landscapes, architecture and everyday life – from Beihai Park in Beijing to the Liuli Tower in Nanjing, from theatrical stages to street barbers – through his imagination and artistic skill.
His inspiration came largely from secondary sources: the travelogue of Dutch explorer Johan Nieuhof (1618-1672), the sketches of William Alexander (1767-1816), who accompanied the Macartney Embassy, and the writings of missionary Matteo Ricci (1552-1610).
Drawing on these materials, Allom transformed exotic charm into poetic images with his sophisticated technique, catering to Europe's fascination with the Far East and its aesthetic tastes.
The engravings on display were originally published as illustrations in "China: The Scenery, Architecture, and Social Habits of That Ancient Empire (1843)," a seminal work by George N. Wright. Characterized by soft tones and rich layers, the images merge realism with imagination: mountains and rivers, urban alleys, and folk customs of 19th-century China are presented through a Western lens infused with Oriental charm. The works skillfully blend Chinese cultural elements with European techniques of perspective and light, creating a cross-cultural artistic vision.
The exhibition also features rare editions of illustrated books published between 1843 and 1859, including original volumes of Allom's collaboration with Wright, later compilations by contemporary historians, and rare antique banknotes printed with Allom's engravings.
To meet the needs of both Chinese and international visitors, every exhibit is accompanied by bilingual QR codes. Scanning them provides detailed introductions in Chinese and English, covering historical context, artistic analysis and cultural significance.
Exhibition date: Through October 31
Opening hours: 10am-5pm
Venue: Shanghai Library Bibliotheca Zi-Ka-Wei
上海图书馆徐家汇藏书楼
Address: 80 Caoxi Rd N.
漕溪北路80号
Admission: Free, no reservation required