columbia circle - a historic gem amidst the urban jungle. newly polished, sparkling and shiny✨. the

columbia circle - a historic gem amidst the urban jungle. newly polished, sparkling and shiny✨. the former expat compound, brimming with history and old shanghai glamour, originally housed the columbia country club, a popular hangout and social hub for shanghai’s american community in the city’s grand epoch, during the 1920 - 1940s. the complex drastically changed its appearance from “the epicenter of expat activity” to an industrial site when the shanghai institute of biological products took over the campus the 1950s, closed it to the public and developed it further in an industrial context. the institute ceased operations not too long after though, and the site laid inaccessible for over half a century, slowly being overgrown, enveloped by urban development - and almost forgotten.

the vast complex, which once featured a pool, gym, ballroom, bowling alley, various tennis courts and a colorful assortment of architectural structures, displays a cross-section of twentieth century colonial architecture, from art deko to spanish colonial revival style - extended by sleek industrial buildings added over the years. fortunately this “sleeping beauty” array of significant shanghai architecture was recently awaked from its enchanted slumbers and redeveloped into a vibrant public area and mixed-use hub. today it combines commercial and cultural spaces, a plaza surrounded by shade trees and fountains, restaurants, cafés and shared offices for creative business.

like in the old times, the picturesque pool is the heart of columbia circle. today, cute little restaurants and cafés offer poolside dining all around it, but unfortunately, swimming is not allowed. when i strolled through the vast complex half of the pool was obstructed by a runway and shooting equipment, columbia circle was obviously rented out for a fashion show lately. but to me, this only enhanced the flair of historic significance and glamour this place radiates, so i jumped on the chance and took some pics of the models, too