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College closes student haunt to make way for commerce
By Ni Tao |
March 5, 2013, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
LAST weekend I took a stroll on a pedestrian street near Fudan University, my alma mater.
Back in my college years, the street was like a miniature of the famous shopping precinct of Nanjing Road E. and was very popular with students for the affordable snacks and discount books available in shops lining the street.
I had expected a walk down the memory lane, but no trace was left of the cozy shopping street the day I visited. What greeted me was a sight of destruction, of rubble scattered all over the place. Most storefronts were sealed by brick and concrete walls.
It is not clear what will become of the street after it's emptied of all the cheap eateries, bookstores and trinket shops. Maybe something sleek and shiny will stand in their place.
Many Chinese universities now pride themselves on the number of buildings, gymnasiums and other world-class facilities on or near their campuses, even though they don't always blend into the surroundings.
Humble but lively "landmarks" like Fudan's moribund pedestrian street are always the first to be devoured by universities' expansion plans. But they make up a colorful part of campus life, and rekindle alumni's nostalgia.
One landmark less.
In a few years, when I revisit Fudan, how many more will still be recognizable?
Back in my college years, the street was like a miniature of the famous shopping precinct of Nanjing Road E. and was very popular with students for the affordable snacks and discount books available in shops lining the street.
I had expected a walk down the memory lane, but no trace was left of the cozy shopping street the day I visited. What greeted me was a sight of destruction, of rubble scattered all over the place. Most storefronts were sealed by brick and concrete walls.
It is not clear what will become of the street after it's emptied of all the cheap eateries, bookstores and trinket shops. Maybe something sleek and shiny will stand in their place.
Many Chinese universities now pride themselves on the number of buildings, gymnasiums and other world-class facilities on or near their campuses, even though they don't always blend into the surroundings.
Humble but lively "landmarks" like Fudan's moribund pedestrian street are always the first to be devoured by universities' expansion plans. But they make up a colorful part of campus life, and rekindle alumni's nostalgia.
One landmark less.
In a few years, when I revisit Fudan, how many more will still be recognizable?
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