Abstract: Initiated by foreigners, the Shanghai Polytechnic Institution and Reading Room was a path breaking educational organization that was jointly founded by Chinese and Westerners. From its inception it lasted for forty years. Its purpose was to encourage Chinese to study western science and technology. Chinese and foreigners from all walks of life contributed funding for the institute. Under the administration of a board of directors its curriculum included science, technology, politics, economy, current affairs, culture, and education. Science and technology were the major contents of teaching. Its adopted mode of teaching gave priority to self-study assisted by lectures. Experimentation and demonstration were also important teaching methods. Shanghai Polytechnic Institution and Reading Room played a critical role in introducing Western science and technology to the Chinese.