During World War II the stadium was damaged by the Japanese during the Battle of Shanghai.

It hosted the National Games of China for the last time in 1983 when 8,943 athletes took part in 26 sports.

On 17 October 2010, the stadium hosted a post season exhibition Australian Football League (AFL) match between the Melbourne Demons and the Brisbane Lions.

On 25 October 2018, it was announced that St Kilda would play Port Adelaide for the following three seasons in Shanghai.

The sport center is accessible from Jiangwan Stadium Station of Shanghai Metro.