Changing perceptions of Jiading
Print Edition
EVERYTHING from ancient temples to Formula 1 racing captures the attention of American writer Kate Baker in her book “Jiading: Centuries of History, Decades of Change”, recently published in Shanghai.
She traces the history of the city’s Jiading District back to between the Tang (AD 618-907) and Song dynasties (AD 960-1279), and chronicles its modern development.
More than 1,000 years ago Jiading was “a leading economic and intellectual influence in the region, long before Shanghai became a major trading port,” Baker writes.
She came to Shanghai in 2010 with her husband, a marketing executive with Ford.
“My husband and I have lived in many place around the world for the past 20 years,” Baker tells Shanghai Daily at the launch of her book at the Old China Hand Bookstore, sponsor of a series of guide books on Shanghai’s lesser-known districts.
“Wherever I go, I jump into the local history and culture quickly and deeply.”
To this end, Baker enrolled on a 15-month online course in Chinese and ventured out to explore her surroundings.
On an excursion to the northwest of Shanghai, she fell in love with Jiading. Since then, she has visited regularly, bringing family, friends and tour groups. And at the end of 2013, the Jiading Tourism Bureau invited Baker to write a book on the district.
“They didn’t even put a limit on what I should put into the book,” Baker says.
The result is a well-researched guide with photographs, packed with useful information and about less well-known spots under an hour from downtown.
There are chapters on Jiading festivals; stories of famous residents; changes to Nanxiang Old Town; tours of its gardens, museums and temples; and the development of attractions at Anting Town — such as Formula 1 racing and golf.
Baker has seen many changes in Jiading, and sees it as offering quality of life to residents and attractions to visitors.
“I see better planning and forward thinking by the district government,” she says.
She also expressed her gratitude to its residents.
“I sincerely thank the people of Jiading who welcomed me and trusted me with their narrative,” Baker says.
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