How Fudan Alumni Crowdfunded a Historic Shanghai Coffeehouse

In the heart of Shanghai’s former newspaper district, a group of Fudan University alumni didn’t just open a café—they revived a piece of modern journalism history. On April 30, 2015, The Press reopened inside the 1918-built former home of China’s longest-running newspaper, *Shen Bao*, transforming the site into a hub for media, finance, and culture. But this wasn’t just another café launch; it was a carefully planned, alumni-driven resurrection of a forgotten landmark.

The answer to “how did a group of university alumni reopen a historic Shanghai newspaper building as a thriving coffeehouse?” is simple: 60 Fudan alumni crowdfunded the project, led by veteran entrepreneur Wang Xinya, and spent six months restoring the space while preserving its original architectural details—right down to the 3108 floor tiles that sparked alumni pride at the opening.

From Newspaper Headquarters to Alumni Coffeehouse

The Press occupies the former *Shen Bao* building at 309 Hankou Road, a site with deep roots in Shanghai’s media history. Constructed in 1918, the building served as the headquarters for *Shen Bao*, which operated through the late Qing Dynasty, the Beiyang Government, and the Nationalist era. Over the decades, it housed other publications like *Liberation Daily* before falling into disuse. By the time Fudan alumni discovered it, the building had briefly served as a tea restaurant, its historical significance fading.

The reopening date—April 30—was deliberately chosen to honor *Shen Bao*’s original launch on April 30, 1872, marking 143 years of continuous operation until its closure. This nod to the past set the tone for The Press’s mission: to become a modern cultural crossroads while respecting its journalistic heritage.

A Crowdfunded Vision Rooted in Fudan Spirit

The Press was conceived by a group of Fudan alumni, including Wang Xinya (co-founder of Inno Coffee in Zhangjiang) and her husband Cai Tong, along with Huabiao, Wu Xuekun, and Chen Jingfeng—former student leaders. Inspired by Fudan’s “Everyone’s Salon” philosophy (“business as the body, culture as the soul”), they aimed to create a space that mirrored the university’s collaborative spirit. The project brought together alumni from the 1980s, many of whom are also part of the Fudan China Financial Club, to transform the dilapidated building into a functional yet historically respectful café.

The crowdfunding effort wasn’t just financial; it involved active participation from the alumni community. Volunteers helped with setup, promotion, and even contributed artifacts. FT Chinese Network founder Zhang Lifeng donated rare original newspapers, Huabiao contributed an antique countertop, and Shi Liqin sourced a nearly unique 1948 *Shen Bao*-published map of China. The second-floor library, curated with help from alumni like Yang Dong and Lin Lijun, reflects Fudan’s academic rigor.

Cultural Hub with a Coffee Focus

The Press isn’t just a museum piece; it’s designed to be a living space for dialogue. The café serves as a key venue for the Fudan China Financial Club, hosting events that blend financial discourse with cultural exchange. The building’s architecture plays a central role in its identity, from the preserved wooden paneling and ceiling that moved *Shen Bao* descendant Shirley Shi to tears, to the floor tiles and walls that sparked nostalgia among attendees at the opening. The space also features a forum area where the inaugural “The Press Forum” took place, with alumni sharing stories about the building’s history.

The café’s design and programming reflect a commitment to fostering creativity and connection. As the window quote by Heather Brooke suggests, “Our printing press is the internet. Our coffee houses are social networks.” The Press aims to be a modern iteration of that idea—a place where media, finance, and culture intersect over coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Press, and where is it located?

The Press is a café and cultural space located at 309 Hankou Road in Shanghai, situated within the historic 1918 *Shen Bao* building, once home to China’s longest-running newspaper. It was reopened in 2015 by Fudan University alumni.

Why was April 30 chosen as the reopening date?

April 30 was selected to commemorate the original launch of *Shen Bao* on the same date in 1872, marking its 143-year history. The date ties The Press’s reopening to the legacy of the historic newspaper.

Who led the crowdfunding effort for The Press?

The project was spearheaded by Wang Xinya, co-founder of Inno Coffee and a Fudan alumna, along with her husband Cai Tong and other former Fudan student leaders, including Huabiao, Wu Xuekun, and Chen Jingfeng. They rallied 60 Fudan alumni to crowdfund the restoration.

What cultural or historical elements were preserved in the café?

The Press retained original features like the 3108 floor tiles, wooden paneling, and ceiling. Artifacts such as rare newspapers, an antique countertop, and a 1948 *Shen Bao* map were contributed by alumni to enhance the historical ambiance.

How does The Press function as a cultural hub?

Beyond serving coffee, The Press hosts events for the Fudan China Financial Club, forums, and gatherings that blend financial discussions with cultural exchange, positioning it as a modern meeting place for media, finance, and academia.

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