City parks serve, day in and day out, as the primary green spaces for the majority of people.

Commercial complex optimizes business formats

Quite a number of new shops and restaurants are open at the Gemdale Lane at Fanyu Road, which include Western cuisine, bistro, cafe, quality life services, etc, making the place a paradise for consumers.

Invested and built by Gemdale Group, Gemdale Lane is a commercial complex that integrates top-tier office, diversified commerce, and leisure facilities. 

Since its completion in December 2022, it has continuously introduced high-quality commercial formats, vigorously optimized green environment and outdoor scenes, and created a great place for people to visit, eat, and shop.

Zoo keeps animals warm in winter

Hit by the cold wave, some animals at the Shanghai Zoo, such as badgers began hibernating, while others such as elephants moved indoors.

Reptiles, as well as animals from tropical or subtropical regions, are most afraid of the cold, such as elephants, hippopotamuses, flamingos, etc. For hippopotamuses, the winter in Shanghai is undoubtedly too cold, and they need to move indoors for the winter.

In addition, the keepers cooked water and allowed them to comfortably soak in manmade hot springs. 

Many primates, such as chimpanzees, baboons, gibbons, etc, also rank at the top of the “cold phobia rankings” of zoo animals.

In the primate exhibition area, especially in the primate nursery, air conditioning, oil pipes, and heating lights were all used. How cute it was when some little monkeys grabbed toys and snuggled tightly. 

Industry and community peers complement each other

“How to sustainably link Hongqiao and Gubei?” “How can industries and life - life and production - sustainably develop in Hongqiao and Gubei?” “How will a community support and serve, so that talented people and the community can grow together?”

An exchange was held recently to discuss the possibilities of integrating industry, space, culture, life, and sustainable development into the sustainable development of Gubei and Hongqiao.

In 1986, in order to better serve foreign trade and economy, Shanghai’s first national economic and technological development zone - Hongqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone was born.

In the same year, the Gubei neighborhood adjacent to the development zone was designated by the State Council as a place primarily inhabited by overseas residents, foreign experts, and compatriots from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. 

The twin development of Hongqiao and Gubei has become a model for Shanghai’s earliest exploration of industry city integration.

With the release of the “14th Five-Year Plan” for the Central Business District of Hongqiao International Open Hub, Hongqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone has seized the development opportunities of the “Greater Hongqiao” and revitalized the space and function of the “old Hongqiao” through a new round of urban renewal.

In the Gubei neighborhood, with the renewal and renovation of the Golden Street and Vanke Plaza, as well as the co-creation of the neighborhood, it helps to improve public space and quality of life. 

One is a business hub, and the other is an international neighborhood, which not only serves economic development but also talented people here. 

It coordinates resources from all parties to achieve regional linkage and integration of industry and city, becoming the best way for communities to assist high-quality development of urban areas.

Winter ‘fruits’ in season

It is the coldest season of the year, in particular after the winter solstice. But the fruits of some plants silently showcase their unique charm.

At present, it is time to appreciate the fruits of plants such as orange trees, heavenly bamboo, and North American holly, which add a peculiar enchantment to the parks and streets in Changning.

The “golden” of the Golden Street now belongs to citrus trees, which are lush with fruits, making them a warm scenery on the pedestrian street.

Walking on the Manao Road in winter, the North American holly trees along the street are particularly eye-catching, with clusters of red fruits resembling red agate (manao in Chinese), becoming a dazzling scenery.

At the turn of autumn and winter, the North American maple gradually becomes colorful and intoxicating, making it the most eye-catching color on the streets and in parks. 

The seeds of North American maple are like spiky balls, embellished in this colorful painting, making people intoxicated.

In winter, all the leaves of Chinese tallow fall. The Chinese tallow seeds are still hanging on the branches, like plum blossoms. Some birds eat the white wax skin of Chinese tallow seeds to obtain fat and resist the cold winter.

This season, the heavenly bamboo is full of fruits, with clusters of red fruits standing on the branches like flames, competing with the green leaves, which is very eye-catching. 

Although the fruitful heavenly bamboo is tempting, its leaves, flowers, and fruits are all toxic. Therefore, do not pick it randomly, and do not eat it by mistake.

Privet is an evergreen tree. Like grapes, there are clusters of purple black fruits hanging from the branches every autumn and winter. 

New approach to park fulfills people’s expectations

Since the beginning of this year, the greenery and public sanitation bureau of Changning has continuously improved the quality of park green spaces through new construction, renovation, and other methods. 

At the same time, it has innovated the concept and model of open and shared park green spaces, continuously improving the level and effectiveness of open and shared park green spaces, allowing locals to experience a high-quality and beautiful life at their doorstep.

For instance, Zhongshan Park has not only provided visitors with more intimate contact with nature, but also fulfilled their new expectations and needs for elderly care services, amusement, science popularization, and parent-child activities. The century-old Zhongshan Park is making efforts to provide more beautiful spaces for the people.

This year, Changning District renovated Hongqiao Park and Huashan Children’s Park. Both parks have focused on meeting the needs of citizens during the renovation process.

The predecessor of Hongqiao Park was a children’s transportation park, and it was here that many Shanghai residents learned about transportation when they were a child. 

Many citizens still remember the children’s transportation park. The renovation this year added facilities for children accordingly.

The renovation of Huashan Children’s Park is also commendable. This park, built in 1952, was once one of the four major children’s parks in Shanghai. It has now been renovated and upgraded to a “100,000 Whys” children’s theme park, and has become a characteristic “park plus science popularization” demonstration site.

Edited by Shanghai Daily