Changning's Hongqiao hub sets new standard for global talent services

Changning District's Hongqiao One-Stop Service Center for Overseas Talent  has been recognized as an outstanding case in the inaugural China (Shanghai) Business Environment Optimization Innovation Practice Awards for its exemplary services catering to international professionals.

Spanning over 11,000 square meters, this comprehensive service hub has become a landmark destination for global talent in Shanghai. Using my phone's “medical insurance code” to see doctors and buy medicine is as convenient as for local colleagues, exclaimed Aine Kanzira, an engineer from Uganda, who obtained his foreigner medical insurance card at the center in May 2024. The card allows him to directly settle medical expenses within the insurance coverage, eliminating cumbersome reimbursement procedures.

Kirill, a young professional from Russia, also experienced the center's efficiency firsthand. When scheduling his mandatory entry health checkup, he completed all formalities in just 30 minutes. Excellent facilities with clear guidance – absolutely hassle-free for expatriates, he remarked.

The center now offers over 30 lifestyle services, including physical exam appointments, broadband installation, and driver's license renewal, helping international talent seamlessly adapt to Shanghai life. 

Through 11 integrated service counters, it has expanded government service items from 17 to 38 and lifestyle support from zero to 31, achieving full coverage of "work + living" needs. The streamlined processes allow overseas professionals to obtain work permits, residence permits, and residence certificates simultaneously within 12 working days – with 30 percent fewer required documents and 50 percent shorter processing time.

Catering to Changning's key industries like aviation services and internet-based lifestyle services, the center operates a dedicated liaison system for major enterprises. "Having specialists coordinate work permits for more than 30 foreign pilots saved us tremendous effort," acknowledged an aviation company executive, highlighting the value of tailored services.

Since its April 2024 launch through June, the center has served over 120,000 visitors. More than 400 individuals benefited from combined permit processing, 110 completed social security procedures through consolidated channels, and all 1,400-plus lifestyle inquiries received prompt responses, demonstrating its commitment to making Shanghai truly international-talent-friendly.

Shanghai pioneers AI-driven low-altitude economy ecosystem at WAIC forum

The AI Empowering the Future Sky Forum under the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference was held at the IBP International Convention Center in Changning District on July 27. 

During the event, the Shanghai Low-Altitude Economy Lounge was launched, alongside the establishment of the Shanghai AI + Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Innovation Consortium and the Shanghai Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Chain Financial Services Alliance.  

The Shanghai Low-Altitude Economy Lounge will be located in the East Hongqiao Center, covering a total floor area of about 1,200 square meters. It will feature three core functional zones: an exhibition area, a communication and events area, and a reserved expansion area. 

The lounge will provide four key services—industrial investment attraction, airworthiness certification services, flight services, and financial-legal support—while also serving as a platform for industrial display, collaborative exchange, and R&D transformation. 

With a core model of “policy innovation + scenario openness + ecosystem synergy,” it aims to support industrial innovation and national strategic needs, helping the Hongqiao International Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Park become Shanghai’s hub for low-altitude economic innovation. 

The newly formed Shanghai AI + Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Innovation Consortium will focus on integrating government, industry, academia, and research in the low-altitude economy sector, as well as industrial chain coordination and low-altitude infrastructure development, providing a foundation for high-quality industrial growth.  

Meanwhile, the Shanghai Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Chain Financial Services Alliance will strengthen financial support and enhance efficiency in advancing Shanghai’s low-altitude economy.  

Centered on the deep integration of AI and the low-altitude economy, this forum brought together global expertise, along with representatives from government, enterprises, and research institutions, to establish a high-level platform for collaboration and innovation. It aims to accelerate the convergence of technology, industry, and finance, helping Shanghai become a leader in the low-altitude economy and driving the sector toward broader global development.  

Changning District, home to 60 percent of Shanghai’s base airlines, over 800 aviation enterprises, and more than 20 aviation functional institutions in areas such as airworthiness certification, airspace management, and flight services, boasts a solid first-mover advantage and strong brand influence in developing the low-altitude economy.

Changning District partners with Inceptio on self-driving truck project

Changning District signed an agreement with Inceptio Intelligent Technology (Shanghai) Co Ltd for the "autonomous heavy truck R&D and mass production" project at the recent closing ceremony of the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC).  

Inceptio Technology specializes in autonomous driving solutions for long-haul logistics, independently developing full-stack Level 2 to Level 4 autonomous driving technologies. Recognized for its advantages in safety, labor efficiency, and fuel savings, the company was listed in the 2023 WAIC SAIL Award Top 30 and ranked among the global top 500 unicorns.  

Changning District’s open business environment and targeted industrial policies have empowered high-tech enterprises to thrive. Inceptio Technology has received comprehensive support from Changning in R&D implementation, policy incentives, and technical certification.  

To date, Inceptio’s autonomous driving system has powered heavy trucks in commercial operations, accumulating nearly 300 million kilometers. The new project in Changning will further solidify the company’s technological leadership and industry influence. 

“With Changning as a strategic base, we will accelerate global R&D and application of autonomous long-haul logistics technology, expand international operations, develop next-generation fully driverless products, and establish a world-class intelligent freight network benchmark,” said Wang Lipeng, vice president of Inceptio Technology.

Beat the heat with MINISO's CHiiKAWA summer collection

Global lifestyle retailer MINISO has teamed up with popular Japanese IP CHiiKAWA for a summer-themed pop-up event, with simultaneous openings in eight cities across China. The Shanghai debut is taking place at the Cloud Nine Shopping Mall.

Originally a beloved manga series that later spawned an animated TV show, CHiiKAWA has grown into a cultural phenomenon, particularly cherished by young anime enthusiasts.

The pop-up store occupies the Red Atrium of Cloud Nine, featuring a refreshing blue-themed design that offers a cool summer vibe. A giant inflatable CHiiKAWA figure serves as the centerpiece, adding playful charm to the space.

Inside, over 100 co-branded products are on display, including keychains, plush toys, blankets, stationery, lip balms, and hand creams. These items blend emotional appeal with practical functionality, suitable for various daily, office, and home scenarios.

According to the event organizer, MINISO began collaborating with CHiiKAWA in 2024, having already released multiple co-branded collections and hosted three pop-up events. The partnership continues to expand into new product categories like plush accessories, blind box toys, and home goods. Cloud Nine Shopping Mall was specifically chosen for its popularity among Shanghai's youth and convenient transportation access.

Location: Red Atrium, Cloud Nine Shopping Mall, 1018 Changning Road

Time: Through August 24, 10am-10pm daily

The Place hosts construction-themed ‘PAW Patrol’ exhibition with summer fun

The first national exhibition of "PAW Patrol: Rubble & the Crew – Build It Big!" has officially opened at The Place shopping mall, alongside the refreshed "WAVE! So Awesome" summer-themed activities. Families are invited to dive into a variety of seasonal experiences, including interactive workshops, summer markets, live music performances, and nighttime parties.  

As the first spin-off of the globally beloved animated series “PAW Patrol,” "PAW Patrol: Rubble & the Crew" follows the adventures of the star construction pup Rubble and his crew as they tackle building challenges together. The series blends engineering knowledge with engaging storytelling, making learning fun for young audiences.  

The exhibition, located in the atrium on the first floor of The Place’s South Zone, transforms the mall into a "construction adventure park." Featuring interactive installations and decor inspired by scaffolding, cranes, and bricks, alongside life-sized character models of the construction pups and their specialized vehicles, the space recreates the lively atmosphere of a real construction site.

Running until September 7, the exhibition offers tailored interactive experience packages to suit different family preferences. Children can step into the role of Rubble’s little construction assistant, completing tasks like material transport, pipe repairs, and machinery operation. By collecting stamps from these activities, they can redeem limited-edition commemorative badges.  

Meanwhile, the upgraded "WAVE! So Awesome" summer program will host family-friendly activities, after-work social events, and open-air movie screenings for all ages. In late August, The Place will collaborate with lifestyle media ShanghaiWOW! to present the Asian Food Carnival, featuring over 50 stalls offering immersive culinary delights, alongside thrilling Muay Thai demonstrations and live dance performances.  

The Place

Address: 100 Zunyi Road  

Transport: 

Line 2: Loushanguan Road Station (Exit 2)  

Line 10: Yili Road Station (Exit 1)  

Lines 3/4: Yan’an Road W. Station (Exit 1)