# St. John's University

> defunct Anglican university in Shanghai (1879–1952)

**Wikidata**: [Q4578297](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4578297)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._John's_University,_Shanghai)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/st-john-s-university-q4578297

## Summary
St. John's University was a defunct Anglican university located in Shanghai, operating from 1879 to 1952. Recognized as a major historical and cultural site, the institution's modern buildings are now protected at the national level in the People's Republic of China.

## Key Facts
*   **Entity Type:** University (Anglican affiliation).
*   **Location:** Shanghai, People's Republic of China (specifically Changning District and Putuo District).
*   **Coordinates:** 31.22786° N, 121.41315° E.
*   **Active Years:** Founded in 1879; dissolved in 1952.
*   **Heritage Status:** Designated as a "Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level" on October 7, 2019.
*   **Heritage Site Name:** Modern Buildings of St. John's University (officially: 圣约翰大学近代建筑).
*   **Heritage ID:** 8-0564-5-048.
*   **Alternate Names:** Saint John's University, St. John's University, Shanghai, SJU, 聖約翰大学, 上海圣约翰书院.

## FAQs
### Q: When was St. John's University active?
A: The university was established in 1879 and ceased operations in 1952.

### Q: Where was the university located?
A: It was located in Shanghai, specifically within the Changning and Putuo Districts of the People's Republic of China.

### Q: Is the original campus still standing?
A: Yes, the Modern Buildings of St. John's University are preserved as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level, a designation received in 2019.

## Why It Matters
St. John's University holds substantial historical significance as a prominent Anglican institution of higher education that operated in Shanghai during a transformative era in Chinese history (1879–1952). Its importance is underscored by its current status as a nationally protected heritage site. The physical campus, specifically its "Modern Buildings," represents a distinct architectural and cultural legacy that the People's Republic of China has formally recognized for preservation. The university's inclusion in major international authority files (such as the Library of Congress and VIAF) and its coverage across ten language editions on Wikipedia further attest to its enduring academic and historical relevance.

## Notable For
*   **Heritage Status:** Its modern buildings are officially listed as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level (designated 2019).
*   **Religious Affiliation:** Distinct historical role as an Anglican university in China.
*   **Geographic Scope:** Spanning both the Changning and Putuo Districts in Shanghai.
*   **Historical Span:** Operating for 73 years during the late Qing Dynasty and Republican era before closing in 1952.

## Body

### History and Operations
St. John's University was an academic institution for further education founded in 1879. It operated as an Anglican university in Shanghai until its dissolution in 1952.

### Location and Geography
The university was situated in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. The campus grounds were located specifically within the Changning District and the Putuo District. The precise coordinates of the site are latitude 31.22786 and longitude 121.41315.

### Heritage and Preservation
On October 7, 2019, the site was officially designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level. The protected entity is referred to as the "Modern Buildings of St. John's University" (official Chinese designation: 圣约翰大学近代建筑). The site is tracked under heritage identifier 8-0564-5-048. This designation is recognized by the National Cultural Heritage Administration.

### Identifiers and Classifications
*   **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n92060984
*   **VIAF ID:** 312932342
*   **ISNI:** 0000000100264944
*   **Encyclopedia of China (Third Edition) ID:** 196957
*   **Wikidata Description:** Defunct Anglican university in Shanghai (1879–1952).

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Metromod Archive](https://archive.metromod.net/viewer.p/69/2952/object/5145-11304822)
4. [国家文物局全国文物地理信息平台](http://dtdj.cchicc.org.cn/#/stateprotect)
5. Q89327640
6. Quora