Changning adds new urban park, offering all-age-friendly green space

Yunhongwan Park, another urban green space, is set to open soon on Hongqiao Road in Changning District. 

Spanning about 7,500 square meters, the park features not only a playful Yunqu Garden but also a two-story, 200-square-meter public service station. Designed to extend the cultural heritage of the Hongqiao area spanning millennia while meeting the needs of all age groups, the park aims to create a new ecological leisure space where residents can "greet greenery from their windows and step into a garden when they go out."

The design of Yunhongwan Park draws inspiration from "clouds" (Yun) for its form and "rainbows" (Hong) for its spirit, adopting a fluid, cloud-like spatial layout that seamlessly bridges historical depth with modern living. A historic trident maple tree stands quietly within the park, serving as both a "living fossil" witnessing the area's transformation and a "living classroom" for children to explore nature and learn about plants.

As an all-age-friendly public space, every detail of the park reflects a people-centered approach. The core family area, Yunqu Garden, offers open lawns and floral play zones, while a 300-meter-long rainbow pathway winds through the park, connecting the elegantly designed Fuyun Pavilion.

Inside the two-story, 200-square-meter public service station, essential amenities such as rest areas, drinking water facilities, and public restrooms are all available. In the future, the station will also host various activities to meet the diverse needs of residents.

With the theme "Four Seasons in Changning, Ten Maples in Red," the park showcases selected red-themed plants like the Hongyun magnolia and red-fruited red maple, complemented by deciduous trees such as the tallow tree and soapberry, creating a richly layered landscape.

Festive vibes fill Yuyuan Road with creative bazaars and pop-ups as year end nears

As the year draws to a close, Yuyuan Road is buzzing with festive energy, attracting crowds of residents and visitors with its creative bazaars featuring unique goods and a variety of themed pop-up events.

At CREATER SPACE | Hongji Lawn within the neighborhood, the outdoor Yule Bazaar has gathered nearly 30 stalls, drawing a bustling crowd. The vibrant entrance, decorated with colorful plush ornaments and animal toys, immediately catches the eye. This edition of the market, themed "Warm Winter Fluffy Bazaar," will run until late December, open every Thursday through Sunday and on public holidays from 11am to 9pm.

Yule Bazaar is a market brand incubated by CREATER, consistently open to creative vendors with unique ideas and handmade skills. "Throughout the bazaar's run, we will feature different vendors each week to showcase curated products, ensuring that returning visitors always find something fresh," said an employee from CREATER. "Next, we will also create a 'Ball Ball Garden' at Yu Lane, using greenery installations shaped like horses to welcome the Year of the Horse and create a New Year atmosphere, offering both photo opportunities and rest areas."

In addition, Yuyuan Road will host a series of exciting themed pop-ups. From December 5 to early January 2026, the original healing lifestyle brand Cotton Zoo will hold a 3rd Anniversary Party at the Story Store. From December 25 to 28, the renowned skincare brand Origins will host its "Snow-Soothing Bouncy Base Pop-up" at the main lawn. To welcome the new year, the "Light Up 2026" event from December 30 to 31 will invite everyone to celebrate and wish for a smooth and successful 2026.

Flash concert warms up subway station for upcoming Ginkgo Art Festival

A surprise flash concert at Yili Road Station on Shanghai Metro Line 10 delighted commuters on December 5, serving as a vibrant preview of the upcoming sixth Huangjinchengdao Ginkgo Art and Life Festival. Amid the city's hustle and bustle, the event offered residents a heartwarming and artistic encounter.

During the midday hours, ginkgo trees at the entrance to the New Hongqiao Central Garden shone in brilliant gold. Beneath their branches, a romantic string quartet captivated passing commuters and office workers as they performed.

One beloved movie theme after another filled the air, each note seeming to hold a magical quality that transported listeners into worlds rich with story and emotion.

“Could you play ‘Pirates of the Caribbean?’” As one piece concluded, applause and cheers mingled with bold requests from music lovers, who called out their favorite tunes. The musicians gladly obliged, and as familiar melodies resumed, the atmosphere was reignited with energy.

As a prelude to the Ginkgo Art and Life Festival, this flash concert offered more than musical delight. The neighborhood also installed specially designed themed light boxes in prominent locations within the subway station, marking a fresh attempt to blend rail transit with cultural tourism.

Changning hosts 2025 International Hydrogen Industry Forum to foster green transition

The 2025 International Hydrogen Industry Development Forum, co-hosted by the International Hydrogen Energy Center and the Shanghai Synthetic Biology Innovation Center, kicked off at the Shanghai IBP International Conference Center on December 5.

Gathering leading academic experts, corporate representatives, and authoritative organizations from the hydrogen energy sector both in China and abroad, the forum focused on core themes such as cutting-edge technology implementation, industrial chain collaboration, and commercialization breakthroughs, injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of the hydrogen energy industry.

After years of dedicated cultivation, Changning District has attracted over a hundred green and low-carbon enterprises, spanning fields including energy substitution, emission reduction technologies, dual-carbon services, and circular economy. In 2023, Changning established the New Energy Industry Alliance to promote collaborative innovation, resource sharing, and mutual benefit among enterprises. In June 2025, the alliance made its debut as an independent exhibition group at the Shanghai International Carbon Neutrality Expo and participated in the International Solar Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Exhibition, further elevating the visibility and influence of Changning’s green and low-carbon sector.

During the forum, Changning announced its commitment to join hands with global forces in the hydrogen energy field to build an industrial transformation and exchange platform. The district aims to explore large-scale applications of hydrogen energy in transportation, industry, construction, and other fields, striving to create a distinctive hydrogen industry hub with Changning characteristics. 

Furthermore, Changning extended a sincere invitation to hydrogen-related enterprises, R&D institutions, and industry organizations worldwide to engage in technological development and industrial collaboration, jointly building a thriving hydrogen ecosystem and sharing future opportunities.

The ‘Red of Changning’ adorns the city as autumn reaches its peak

In recent days, a captivating spread of crimson has emerged throughout Changning District, painting the season in dazzling hues.

At Zhongshan Park, maple leaves have deepened into rich burgundy, while plane tree leaves showcase various shades of reddish-brown. Beneath the trees, graceful seniors dance with red fans, their movements interwoven with the crimson foliage and dappled light, creating a living tableau reminiscent of an oil painting.

Along a winding path, melodious singing resonates beneath a centuries-old camphor tree. A group of seniors gathers here, singing in celebration of life. Behind them, layers of red leaves seem like an attentive audience, adding a touch of warmth and vibrancy that transcends mere color.

For a broader view of autumn's palette, the Changning Outer Ring Ecological Greenway is a perfect destination. Maple trees, purple-leaf plum trees, and tallow trees have all donned their red attire. Cycling along the path feels like traveling through an endless warm-toned gallery.

This enchanting "Red of Changning" is not only a seasonal spectacle but also a heartwarming reflection of the city's beautiful life. It's the perfect time to immerse yourself in this vibrant autumn tapestry—whether by strolling through the parks or cycling along the greenways—and savor the profound poetry and warmth unique to Changning.