The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the Earth. — Chief Seattle

District landmarks initiate ‘FIRST in Shanghai’

Four iconic venues in Changning are now major sites of the city’s push for “debut economy 2.0,” the First in Shanghai initiatives.

The C•PARK Haisu Culture Plaza, Columbia Circle, Wuyi丨MIX 320, and the Yuyuan art and life block are now among the 25 Global New Product Debut Landmarks in Shanghai.

Shanghai is to become a debut stage for new fashion and cosmetic products worldwide as another Shanghai global promotion season begins.

As part of the Shanghai Double Five Shopping Festival, “FIRST in Shanghai” promotes Shanghai as the world’s fashion capital, demonstrating to the world its potential and ability as a city capable of hosting important international fashion events.

It will support leading domestic and foreign brands to open their first stores in Shanghai, with a bonus of 1 million yuan (US$138,100) for the first stores in Asia.

Shanghai will also optimize the management of premiere events, provide customs clearance measures for imported premiere products, and support the bonded display and international trading industry.

From May 2018 to December 2023, more than 4,500 international and domestic brands have held debut events in Shanghai, introducing 5,840 first stores (a daily average of 2.8), with more than 80 first stores above the Asian level, ranking first in the country in terms of quantity and quality, according to official statistics.

One-stop center for overseas talents opens at new site

The Shanghai Hongqiao One-stop Service Center for Overseas Talents has been relocated to the Art Park Shopping Mall at 377 Songhong Road, above Metro Line 2’s Songhong Road Station.

Artem, of Russia Today, was granted a Foreigner Work Permit, Residence Permit for Foreigners Working in China, and Shanghai Overseas Talent Residence Permit on April 16 when the center officially launched its services at the new site.

At the same time, an Indian citizen, who wished to remain anonymous, told Shanghai Daily that he was also applying for Foreigner Work Permit and issuance of the permit at the center took around 20 minutes.

“The entire process is quite smooth and very convenient,” he said.

He enjoyed a coffee break at the center's lounge after receiving the permit.

Veronika Hozakova, a postgraduate student from Donghua University, is an intern at the reception desk. Speaking Chinese, English, German and her mother tongue Slovakian, she is ideally placed to explain center services and answer applicants’ questions.

“I’m very glad to work here and with exclusive language advantages for people and businesses from Europe, like Germany and my motherland the Slovak Republic.”

Linda Painan, head of The Expatiate Center (TEC), focuses on the online advertising of the center’s new site and access to the center’s online platform.

TEC has published a QR code and other online access to the center’s webpage through the City News Service operated by Shanghai Daily.

“We wish all the expats in city get access to the online and offline services of the center and we just do our part as it is a joint effort,” Painan said.

Taking the opening of the new site of the center as an opportunity, Changning has further expanded its public service functions to facilitate “one-stop acceptance” of comprehensive applications.

The district also established characteristic functional arms to provide more diverse and precision services for overseas talent locally and throughout the Yangtze River Delta region.

Eye-catching flowers highlight picturesque garden

A small garden in Zhongshan Park features nearly 30 varieties of flowers. After a major renovation, the fence was dismantled when a paved small path was created.   

Visitors may enjoy the beauty of nature when they are here. 

Books must-read on Earth

The Earth Day and World Book Day was celebrated on April 20 at the Golden Street with the theme of “Ecological Reading Season – Co-drawing the Earth Dream.”

Focusing on the concept of ecological and environmental protection, with reading practice as a link, it has attracted the enthusiastic participation of many Chinese and foreign residents, presenting a gift from the international community for the sustainable development of the Earth.

Cute and cuddly capybara takes center stage

A fun interaction at the Cream Farm Spring Exhibition with capybara taking the center stage.

A grand party has been held for capybara lovers with the animal becoming a new favorite among China’s young generation for its emotional stability and cute appearance.

The Cream Farm Spring Exhibition with capybara taking the central stage opened at Cloud Nine Shopping Mall in Changning District from April 20, drawing big crowds.

As the debut of the exhibition which will also tour to other cities in China, it features capybara pop-up activities and performances.

The exhibition venue replicates a huge farm and a camping site and people are able to touch real capybaras during the May Day holiday at the exhibition.

There are many photo-taking spots at the exhibition.

The animal has won the hearts of young people in China for providing psychological comfort and relieving their pressure and anxiety as it shows no emotional change not matter what happens.

If you go:

Opening hours: 10am-10pm, through May 20

Venue: 1F, Cloud Nine Shopping Mall

Address: 1018 Changning Road

Edited by Shanghai Daily