Timothy Fok loves Jiading's cultural, architectural, and culinary charms

Timothy Fok — World Xiangqi Federation president and Hong Kong entrepreneur — visited Shanghai's Jiading district on Sept 22 during the 19th World Xiangqi Championship.

There, he toured the former residence of Du Yuesheng (1888-1951), the legendary Chinese mob boss and financial tycoon based in Shanghai, as well as Nanxiang Old Street — experiencing the local culture while promoting xiangqi or Chinese chess as part of urban life.

The Du Residence, Du Yuesheng's only long-term private home, was originally in Huangpu district but later relocated to Xiyunlou in Jiading.

Fok listens attentively to a staff member talking about the Du Residence. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]

Built in 1926 in Shanghai's shikumen or stone gate building style, it combines Western architectural forms with traditional Chinese mortise-and-tenon construction.

It features gold-threaded nanmu beams, carved Roman columns and other cross-cultural details that impressed Fok.

The formidable Du Residence stands in Shanghai's Jiading district. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]

At Nanxiang Old Street, Fok explored winding lanes filled with bustling shops, visited Yunxiang Temple and the Twin Pagodas and photographed historic architecture.

He later sampled freshly steamed Nanxiang xiaolongbao or steamed stuffed buns, praising their taste and traditional craftsmanship.

Fok tucks into some freshly steamed Nanxiang xiaolongbao. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]

Fok noted that, just as Nanxiang xiaolongbao depends on traditional craftsmanship, xiangqi thrives on dedication and heritage.

He thanked Jiading for creating an environment where the ancient game could flourish in the modern era.