From November 7th to 10th, 2024, the “Mutual Learning among Civilizations and Urban China: the 2024 Interdisciplinary Academic Community for Humanistic Urban Studies Symposium” was held at the Shanghai Social Sciences Hall, co-hosted by the editorial board of Exploration and Free Views, the School of Humanities at SHNU, the Southern Cultural Forum, and the SHNU Press, organized by the Shanghai Innovation Team of “Cultural Transformation and Modern China” and co-organized by the School of Liberal Arts at SHU.

At the opening ceremony, the “Interdisciplinary Academic Community for Humanistic Urban Studies” was unveiled. The Academic Community was officially established in response to China’s transition from rural China and urban-rural China to urban China. This evolution not only reflects the significant economic and social changes taking place in China but also signifies the emergence of new humanistic cities and evolution of potential new urban civilization forms. We are increasingly aware that on the journey of Chinese modernization and urbanization, voices from the humanities are not only indispensable but should also play a critical role. We adhere to the principles of equality, mutual assistance, and consultation to jointly plan and introduce topics related to the study of humanistic cities. Together, we organize academic paper solicitations and discussions, set up joint columns or special topics, unite scholars in China who are committed to the study of humanistic cities, and collaboratively promote and advance the publication and transformation of relevant results. In doing so, we aim to make our best efforts to contribute to the advancement of humanistic urban studies in China. 

Wang Zhan, the Chairman of the Shanghai Federation of Social Science Associations (SFSSA) and Deputy Director of the Shanghai Urban Regeneration Expert Committee, delivered a keynote speech titled “How Urban Regeneration Interprets ‘Beauty’ and ‘Goodness’”. He recalled the past when a large army of migrants arrived in Shanghai and built shanties, thereby shaping the unique parts of the urban landscape of the city. Wang observed that there was not the slightest “urban planning” in such complexes of shanties, and they need regeneration. In our pursuit of “the good,” we should carry a longing for “the beautiful” in our heart. Such “beautiful ideals” should embody Chinese characteristics and Shanghai’s unique features, creating a “Shanghai model” for urban regeneration. To reflect Chinese characteristics in Shanghai’s urban regeneration, urban-rural integration is the key. Shanghai, with its vast suburban areas, must take into account the relationships between the central city, the suburbs, and surrounding prefecture-level cities in its urban construction. By narrowing the urban-rural and industrial-agricultural gaps, it can achieve comprehensive urban development. In addition to managing macro-level aspects such as national characteristics and urban features, greater attention must be given to meticulous designing and creation of details, including landmark buildings, city skylines, urban color schemes, architectural styles, cultural symbols, and ecological development. In terms of architectural style, Shanghai must not only preserve the historical memories of its heritage but also keep pace with the times by exploring and innovating upon those historical memories, creating an urban landscape that feels both familiar and uniquely new.

The conference was divided into ten keynote units: “Urban China,” “Mutual Learning among Civilizations,” “Fold City,” “Literary City,” “Long-Distance City,” “City of Relationships,” “Fluid City,” “Lively City,” “Crystalline City,” and “Multifaceted City.” Over 30 distinguished scholars and young talents from over 30 institutions gathered to discuss the construction of “Humanistic Cities” and relevant global perspectives, historical contexts, theoretical bottlenecks, and practical issues.