Johnson Controls marks 140 years with innovation exhibit at Shanghai HQ

Johnson Controls (China) Investment Ltd, a company based in Changning’s Linkong Park, is celebrating the 140th anniversary of its US parent company this year. From the first electric room thermostat to smart building systems, innovation has always been the core driver of Johnson Controls.

An exhibition highlighting the company’s 140 years of technological achievements is currently being held at the Asia-Pacific headquarters showroom in Shanghai. The display features a naked-eye 3D zone, a corporate historical timeline, a global patents section, and an industry solutions area. To date, Johnson Controls holds more than 8,000 active patents worldwide.

The company’s products are widely recognized for their reliability and high efficiency, and are used across commercial buildings, smart hospitals, smart campuses, data centers, and modern agriculture. For example, more than 80 percent of the world’s top 20 tallest skyscrapers, including the Shanghai Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center, utilize Johnson Controls’ building automation systems.

Since entering the Chinese market 30 years ago, Johnson Controls has deepened its local presence and remains active in key sectors including commercial architecture, data centers, new energy, and electronics.

The Asia-Pacific headquarters, established in Changning District in 2017, is one of the landmark buildings in Linkong Park. Not only does it occupy a large site, but it is also the first building in China to receive triple certification—LEED Platinum, China Green Building Label, and EDGE, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development.

Anuruddha Rathninde, president of Asia Pacific at Johnson Controls, said innovation is in Johnson Controls’ DNA. Over the past 140 years, Johnson Controls has consistently pushed the boundaries of technology and are reshaping the future of buildings. It will continue to drive the intelligent transformation of buildings and contribute to the long-term development of smart and sustainable cities.

Prost! Shanghai Oktoberfest brings Bavaria to Changning

The 26th Shanghai Oktoberfest opened at the Radisson Collection Hotel Yangtze Shanghai on September 19, offering residents an authentic taste of Bavarian culture right in the heart of Changning District.

Under blue-and-white Bavarian decorations, guests—both Chinese and international—dressed in traditional checkered shirts and vibrant dirndls, while staff in suspenders added to the festive atmosphere.

On stage, the Wink Band energized the crowd with cheerful folk music, while local Shanghai comedians shared humorous stories about their long-standing connections to the beer festival.

A continuous spread of German classics was served, including sausage platters, crispy roasted chicken, and pretzels, with the star of the show being the freshly carved roasted pork knuckle. Paired with Paulaner beer, the official brew of Munich’s Oktoberfest, the malty sweetness and refreshing hop notes delighted every palate.

More than just a cultural-tourism highlight, the festival has become a signature feature of Changning’s night economy and international cultural exchange. “For 26 years, the Shanghai Oktoberfest has aimed to bring authentic German culture to Shanghai, allowing visitors to experience the world without leaving the city,” said Xing Jiajun, director of F&B at the Radisson Collection Hotel Yangtze Shanghai.

The festival will continue from September 25 to 27. Tickets are available through the hotel’s official WeChat store.

Changning transforms into luminous canvas for international light festival

Eight luminous art installations at Livat Shanghai shopping center will light up as part of the Changning branch of the second Shanghai International Light Festival to be held from September 26 to October 2.

Spanning commercial complexes, waterfront spaces, historical preservation areas, and major transportation corridors, this year’s festival integrates light and shadow into the urban fabric, showcasing Changning’s distinctive characters.

As the core exhibition zone, Livat Shanghai will feature activities such as 3D projection shows, interactive light experiences, and a luminous market, presenting eight sets of artistic and thought-provoking light-based works to create immersive consumption scenarios.

The festival will enhance public spaces and landmark buildings with serene yet vibrant nighttime landscapes along two key axes—the Yan’an Elevated Road and the Suzhou Creek—and within three focal circles—the Hengfu Historical Preservation Zone, Zhongshan Park business area, and Hongqiao-Gubei commercial district. Decorations along major streets and synchronized outdoor digital screens will together create a festive atmosphere.

The festival will also introduce public-interest micro-tourism routes incorporating Livat Shanghai and Zhongshan Park as nighttime stops, along with night cycling events and sports-themed night markets. In collaboration with commercial districts such as Zhongshan Park, Hongqiao-Gubei, and Linkong, holiday consumption promotion activities will be launched during the National Day Golden Week.

The inaugural edition of the festival’s Changning branch attracted 2.95 million participants last year and boosted consumption in related areas by 86.2 percent year-on-year.

Changning attracts international visitors with ‘Best Hongqiao’ Carnival

Changning District welcomes autumn with the return of its annual "Best Hongqiao" Carnival, this year celebrating the theme “Century-Old Streets, Vibrant Life” as part of its effort to position the area as a must-visit destination for international travelers. 

The carnival’s opening gala will be held on September 26 at A.F.A, blending an official ceremony, live performances, and a lively themed market.

During the gala, Changning’s culture and tourism authorities will unveil the district’s latest promotional film, along with new curated routes and check-in maps tailored for international visitors. A guidebook on developing tourism-friendly neighborhoods will also be released, reflecting the district’s focus on creating welcoming, immersive urban experiences.

Beyond the opening night, the carnival will host more than ten festive activities, inviting visitors to explore Changning’s unique blend of heritage and modernity. 

A highlight is the “Best Hongqiao • Different Meetings” urban micro-tour, running from September through October. This self-guided journey leads participants through iconic spaces like the trendy Columbia Circle, the culturally blended Wuyi MIX320, the art-filled Liu Haisu Art Museum, and the lively Livat Shanghai shopping center.

Each venue offers distinctive cultural encounters—from a soprano’s cross-cultural art song recital and a creative fusion of classical guitar with Chinese opera, to a piano concert harmonizing music and visual art, and engaging parent-child theater workshops set against open-air rooftop views.

Additional activities will animate the district throughout the season, including art pop-ups in shopping areas, family-friendly double-decker bus tours, the 18th Shanghai Art Exhibition, a special Dunhuang art display, and the laid-back Hongqiao Grassland Music Festival. 

Together, these events weave culture, music, and community into the urban fabric, offering something memorable for every visitor.

Changning strengthens dementia care with ‘Little Blue Flower initiative

Changning District Civil Affairs Bureau has organized six training sessions for managers and caregivers working in specialized dementia care units this year. Many participants have become ambassadors of the "Little Blue Flower" initiative, applying their enhanced professional skills to better support individuals with cognitive impairments.

The trainings have reached a cumulative total of 207 participants, with 88 trainees receiving certification after passing assessments. Additionally, 100 core volunteers from the “Elderly Partners” program were trained.

“The sessions not only deepened our understanding of dementia, but also equipped us with clearer strategies to handle various care scenarios. Different intervention approaches have inspired our daily care practices,” said Zhang Hongxia, director of the Jinfu No. 4 Elderly Care Home. “Beyond experience, caregivers need structured and specialized knowledge.”

Since 2023, Changning District has launched the "Little Blue Flower" initiative to further cultivate professional dementia care service personnel. The program aims to improve the quality of elderly care services and has established Changning as the first district in Shanghai to achieve full coverage of dementia-friendly communities.