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Onward and upward in Hongqiao

CHANGNING District has big plans for the Hongqiao and Gubei areas, adding new, upscale commercial and retail spaces that will compete with Shanghai's top spots. Fei Lai reports.

The planned Hongqiao International Trade Center will link business with culture like no other area of the city.

According to Changning District's 12th Five-Year Plan, the trade center will be a modern industry cluster area with international, commercial and cultural features. It has drawn wide attention from the business circle, including CEO of the luxury conglomerate LVMH and Hong Kong billionaire Stanley Ho.

In this new round of development, Zunyi Road, Loushanguan Road, Tianshan Road, Xianxia Road and Gubei Road will be key areas.

Zunyi Road will become a high-end business area led by L'Avenue Shanghai, which is already under construction. The project is expected to be completed next year.

Positioning itself as the new destination for fashion, luxury and business in west Shanghai, it will include an upscale shopping mall and grade-A office complex.

It is likely to become a major landmark in the district.

Yao Zhikang, an official from the development office of Hongqiao, says: "The emergence of L'Avenue Shanghai will 'threaten' nearby shopping malls such as Hongqiao Friendship Shopping Center which has entered its 18th year of operation and is now introducing new brands and refitting in order to compete."

Tianshan and Loushanguan roads will be built into an entertainment and culture center with shopping malls and squares.

To attract exhibitions and tourists, five foreign product centers will be introduced to Hongqiao. Customers will be able to buy products from France, Italy, Japan, Germany and the United States at a lower price.

On October 20, the first center of its kind will open at Terminal 1 of the Hongqiao Airport. By then, people will be able to buy Japanese products at favorable prices.

Gubei and Xianxia roads are going to be an area focusing on international trade.

With so many projects in full swing, the biggest goal is to link Hongqiao and Gubei with underground passageways.

The one running from south to north will run across Takashimaya department store (to open next August), Yili Road Station at Metro Line 10, Hongqiao Central Park, Yan'an Road W. and Shanghai Mart. The one running from north to south will link Metro Line 2 and shopping malls along Zunyi Road.

A great place to live

The area is commercial, but it has not forgotten people.

It is amazing to discover the cultural and recreational spots that cater to residents from home and abroad.

Hongqiao Central Park, formerly New Hongqiao Central Garden, is one of those places that make Hongqiao area such a great place to live.

The park's name is adopted from New York City's Central Park.

Located south of ShanghaiMart, it is where art, culture, recreation, tourism and charity meet. It covers an area of around 10 hectares.

On August 27, Hongqiao Creative Fair was launched in the park.

Trendy products such as creative magazines, clothes, accessories and handcrafts were exhibited.

The same day witnessed the launch of the biggest highlight at the park - a "waterscreen film."

"It is the only park in Shanghai which offers a waterscreen film," Yao says. "People look so shocked when they see the lasers on the water fountain while a musical score plays in the background."

The waterscreen film will be played regularly at the park which is free to all visitors.

In the middle of September, a fashion show will also be held at the park to celebrate the district's Tourism and Shopping Festival.

To add a splash of culture, the park is decorated with sculptures made of bronze, stone, glass and steel that are scattered throughout the grounds.

"Among the city parks in Shanghai, Hongqiao Central Park stands out with its strong personality. It is the 'green lung' for office buildings in the Hongqiao Development Zone," Yao says. "With a lake view, rockery, bamboo forest and grasslands, it is one of the most popular venues for couples taking wedding photos."

Huangjincheng Avenue is another hot spot to relax. It is a pedestrian street in Gubei area that starts from Yili Road S. and ends at Gubei Road. The total length reaches 670 meters.

Along the roads are gingko trees. In autumn, the gingko leaves turn yellow.

The total business area reaches 50,000 square meters. Thus far, more than 75 percent of the stores on the street have opened. Along the avenue are caf茅s, wine stores, pubs, teahouses, a bakery, convenient stores, spas, a home deco and antique store. The street is popular with expatriates from Japan, South Korea and India.

"It is a peaceful road with a romantic European touch, providing a recreational venue for residents," Yao says. "I think it is the best place for get-togethers."

Every morning, baby-sitters and nannies take infants and toddlers out to enjoy the fresh air. In the afternoon, it becomes a hot spot for kids who like to rollerblade. Each week, cultural activities take place here.

The Gubei HB Golden Oktoberfest will begin on September 15 and last for seven days on Huangjincheng Avenue. German brews and bands will bring a great mix of fine food, drink and music to the scene.


 

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