On June 5, the “Science Walk · Red Heritage” interdisciplinary exchange activity was successfully held in Shanghai’s Hengshan-Fuxing Road Historic Conservation Area. Organized by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Labor Union and jointly hosted by Tsung-Dao Lee Institute (TDLI), School of Artificial Intelligence, and Institute of Natural Sciences, the event combined city walking, red heritage education, and technology exploration to create a unique interdisciplinary learning experience connecting Shanghai’s revolutionary history, urban cultural heritage, and cutting-edge scientific innovation.
More than 40 faculty members and students from the three hosting units participated in the event, including over 20 international students and scholars from TDLI representing France, Russia, Algeria, India, Tunisia, Nigeria, and several other countries, bringing diverse cultural perspectives to the program.
The journey began at Wukang Mansion, one of the most iconic landmarks in the Hengfu Historic Area. Standing beneath the shade of century-old plane trees, participants learned about the evolution of the neighborhood’s architecture and urban landscape through a guided tour conducted entirely in English. As they walked through the historic streets, they gained insight into Shanghai’s unique blend of Chinese and international influences and experienced firsthand the city’s rich cultural heritage and spirit of openness.
The group then visited the Pathé Villa, the historic site where March of the Volunteers, now the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China, was recorded. Through historical artifacts, archival photographs, and vivid storytelling, participants learned about the anthem’s origins and the broader historical context in which it emerged. The visit provided a meaningful introduction to an important chapter of modern Chinese history and offered deeper understanding of the resilience and determination of the Chinese people during a time of national crisis.
Another highlight of the program was the visit to the Former Residence of Professor Tsung-Dao Lee at No. 47 Wanping Road. During the tour, participants learned about Professor Lee’s groundbreaking scientific achievements and his lifelong commitment to advancing science education and research in China. Through stories of his academic journey and dedication to national scientific development, young researchers gained a deeper appreciation of the sense of responsibility, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to public service embodied by generations of distinguished scientists.
The final stop of the day was the Z·PilotAI Cutting-edge Technology Experience Space at SMC Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center. Participants embarked on an immersive exploration of artificial intelligence technologies, experiencing a wide range of innovative applications and interactive demonstrations. The visit offered a glimpse into how emerging AI technologies are reshaping daily life, accelerating scientific discovery, and driving future technological transformation.
By integrating red heritage education, urban cultural exploration, and scientific spirit cultivation, the event provided a valuable platform for exchange among participants from diverse national, cultural, and disciplinary backgrounds. From revolutionary history to frontier AI technologies, and from the patriotic dedication of pioneering scientists to the interdisciplinary aspirations of today’s young researchers, the program highlighted not only connections across places and fields of study, but also the enduring legacy of scientific inquiry and social responsibility that continues to inspire future generations.
Written by: Jing Du, Banghui Ni, Lisha Duan