New incubator with international vision to boost Shanghai Silicon Alley’s tech scene

Changning District initiated the construction of the Shanghai Silicon Alley High-Quality Incubator on September 1, marking a solid step forward in its efforts to build the Shanghai Silicon Alley sci-tech innovation block and create a high-level innovation ecosystem.

During the unveiling ceremony, four shareholder entities, namely SIMIC Holdings Co Ltd, Shanghai CREATOR Industrial Co Ltd, Shanghai Changning State-Owned Assets Operation and Investment Co Ltd, and Shanghai Chongwei Crystal Materials Co Ltd, signed agreements on site. 

Representatives of the first batch of incubated projects, including the silicon nitride ceramic substrate project and the new integrated optoelectronic thin-film materials and devices project, as well as representatives of the first incubated enterprises such as Shanghai Xianjian Faxun Consulting Co Ltd and Xinyu Future (Shanghai) Medical Technology Co Ltd also signed agreements.

The Shanghai Silicon Alley High-Quality Incubator has established strategic partnerships with financial investment institutions, industry associations, university technology transfer centers, and professional service organizations. It will collaborate in areas such as fund establishment, achievement transformation, industrial chain resource matchmaking, and specialized service provision to empower settled enterprises.

The incubator is committed to becoming a convergence point for innovative ideas, an accelerator for entrepreneurial practice, and a nurturing ground for future industries through a series of measures including introducing experienced industry mentors, setting up special seed funds, building public technical service platforms, organizing branded entrepreneurship events, and connecting international market resources.

Linkong Park bridges gap between talent policies and corporate needs

The Linkong Industrial Park organized a “Talent Gathering” event to explain Changning talent policies to enterprise representatives on September 5.  

During the event, the District Talent Bureau provided a comprehensive overview of Changning's talent policies, detailing various initiatives in three key areas - talent recruitment, talent development, and housing support for talent.  

Changning Talent Company offers one-stop market-oriented services to businesses, covering recruitment, training, and policy coordination, among other aspects. Recently, the company also launched specialized programs targeting corporate executives and young talent, aiming to further enhance the efficiency of talent recruitment and cultivation through digital tools.  

In the interactive session, corporate representatives actively raised questions on topics of interest, particularly regarding school-enterprise cooperation projects, the criteria for designating key enterprises in the district, and the application process for talent apartments.  

The Lingang Park Party Committee has rolled out a series of services this year to listen to corporate feedback, promote exchanges among talent across various fields, and foster collaboration through cultural and sports activities. Among these initiatives, the "Talent Gathering" aims to establish an efficient communication platform among the government, enterprises, and talent, facilitating precise alignment of needs and resources while promoting talent aggregation and collaborative development.

Cloud Nine's life festival offers a glimpse into modern urban living

The Cloud Nine Shopping Mall launched the Quality Life Festival on September 5, offering residents a brand-new experience that integrates smart technology and comfortable living.

The event will run for ten consecutive days. Shoppers who spend 399 yuan (US$42.08) in total or more in the mall will be eligible for a lucky draw, with prizes consisting of premium lifestyle products from 12 different brands.

During the festival, visitors can not only shop and dine conveniently under one roof but also participate in fun themed pop-up events and check out the new energy vehicle exhibition.

Multiple brands in the mall are currently offering special promotions. For instance, JD Electronics’ flagship store is hosting its third employee-only sale, with discounts on over 100 selected items on top of existing government subsidies of 15 percent to 30 percent. Meanwhile, at the Freshippo Premier Store, the Open Sea Season is in full swing, featuring fresh seasonal swimming crabs and newly arrived Mid-Autumn Festival products like mooncakes.

The new energy vehicle exhibition in the Red Atrium on the first floor showcases latest models from brands such as Xiaomi, Tesla, and XPeng. Outside in the Blue Atrium, the B. Duck City Park offers various play facilities, making it a recent hotspot for families.

Cloud Nine has also partnered with catering outlets like Haidilao and Wang Fugui, fitness centers such as Change and HILEFIT, as well as entertainment venues including Tianshan Cinema and Haoledi KTV to create a permanent "non-stop nightlife hub." Visitors can access these late-night offerings through exclusive nighttime entrances and experience the unique charm of the city’s after-dark leisure.

Cloud Nine Quality Life Festival

Address: 1018 Changning Road

Duration: Through September 14

Livat takes center stage at 2025 Shanghai International Light Festival

The Changning branch of the second Shanghai International Light Festival will open on September 26. The core area of this year’s light festival in Changning is composed of three architecturally distinct buildings: Livat Shanghai, SkyBridge HQ, and Hongqiao Uptown.

As the main exhibition zone within the core area, the popular Livat Shanghai, a landmark that has been open for just one year, will be transformed into a futuristic “Light and Shadow Living Room.” It will offer citizens an immersive experience integrating natural ecology, AI technology, culture, commerce, sports, exhibition, and green elements.

Since its opening on September 26, 2024, Livat Shanghai has stood out as the largest new commercial complex launched in Shanghai last year. Located near Exit 5 of Songhong Road Station on Metro Line 2, the complex spans a total construction area of over 430,000 square meters. It includes a shopping mall, an IKEA Linkong store, and five office buildings.

Upon its debut, Livat introduced more than 300 curated brands, featuring 23 national-first stores and 29 Shanghai-first stores. Combining diverse offerings such as shopping, dining, entertainment, trendsetting venues, and cultural arts, all under a “full-age-friendly” concept, it has quickly become a go-to destination for one-stop urban living and social gatherings.

Changning District trials pet access in two parks

Changning District has simultaneously initiated a pilot program allowing pets into Gubei Civic Park and Haisu Park, aiming to explore a refined management model that balances pet-friendly policies with public order. 

The initiative is designed to create a replicable "Changning model" for urban public space governance in Shanghai and beyond, emphasizing "detailed management + multi-stakeholder collaboration."

Located in the Gubei community, Gubei Civic Park has pre-designated pet-friendly paths and stay-and-play lawns. Through park management guidelines and signage, visitors are guided to responsibly accompany their pets. Earlier this year, the park introduced an "off-peak + zoned access" approach: after 9pm each day, leashes may be temporarily removed in the lawn area in front of the park café, with security personnel present to oversee activities. This area has since evolved into an orderly social space for pet owners and has been operating smoothly since the trial began.

Haisu Park, which is adjacent to commercial complexes and an art museum, has installed pet water stations and waste bag dispensers and has designated a pet zone in its sunken plaza. However, many pet owners have expressed that the current pet area is too small to meet the needs of both pet exercise and owner socialization. Meanwhile, some regular park-goers are concerned about potential impacts on safety and tranquility.

Chen Leida, director of Haisu Park, said that the park is currently gathering feedback from both sides and plans to organize discussion sessions for face-to-face communication among representatives of different groups. In the next phase, the park intends to pilot an "event-based service" model: instead of establishing a fixed pet zone, it will collaborate with businesses to create temporary off-leash areas during special events such as pet festivals, with management methods adjusted based on public response.

The pilot program is scheduled to run until the end of October. Wang Yefei, deputy director of the Changning District Landscaping and City Appearance Administration, said: “The goal of this trial is to allow real usage scenarios and potential challenges to fully emerge, paving the way for the formulation of sustainable long-term regulations.”