Strong commercial operations drive near-full occupancy in Changning's shopping complexes

Despite the booming e-commerce, major commercial complexes in Changning District maintain near-full occupancy rates, thanks to high-quality commercial operations and exceptional business services.

At the start of the new year, Livat Shanghai welcomed over 10 new stores. From families to trendsetting Gen Z shoppers, visitors can find a tailored consumption experience at the venue.

Since opening over a year ago, the Nordic-inspired Livat Shanghai has achieved a first or concept store ratio of 71 percent. Leveraging its positioning of deep integration across culture, commerce, sports, and exhibitions, the mall hosts year-round immersive, highly interactive special IP exhibitions, creative pop-up stores, and seasonal themed events. 

To date, Livat Shanghai has amassed over 900,000 members, with the overall occupancy rate of the mall nearing 100 percent.

Meanwhile, Cloud Nine, located in the Zhongshan Park commercial circle, has upgraded from its initial role as a city landmark to an urban lifestyle hub integrating shopping, trendy entertainment, dining, and leisure. It focuses on popular sectors such as artificial intelligence, the IP and trendy toy economy, and the pet economy.

Currently, Cloud Nine houses over 600 brands covering a full range of categories, with an average daily footfall exceeding 200,000 people. The occupancy rate of its commercial spaces has remained stable at over 98 percent for years. In 2025, Cloud Nine achieved annual sales of 13.5 billion yuan (US$1.95 billion).

The Place, situated in the heart of the Hongqiao-Gubei commercial area, centers on "quality companionship," precisely serving urban elites and young family customers. In 2025, The Place introduced a "family playground" spatial concept, continuously working to create a warmer, more interesting, and growth-oriented urban living space.

Furthermore, several new mixed-use commercial and office complexes are set to debut. Among them, Crystal Bridge will seamlessly integrate Grade A office spaces, quality commercial areas, sky gardens, and an open-air theater. 

Shanghai A.F.A is dedicated to creating a "city of art enjoyment" that blends lifestyle shopping, business offices, artistic and cultural activities, and green parks.

Changning welcomes Year of the Horse with vibrant ICH celebrations

To celebrate the Year of the Horse, Changning District has launched a series of captivating intangible cultural heritage (ICH) activities, offering residents and visitors a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and festive customs.

Spring Festival Market 

The district's cultural and tourism authorities have organized a Spring Festival market themed around the Chinese zodiac and intangible cultural heritage. The market features exhibitions, sales of ICH products, and interactive experiences.

Livat Shanghai: Now until Feb. 14, and on March 3 (the Lantern Festival), weekdays 11:00-20:00, weekends 11:00-21:00.

The Place: Feb. 20-23, 14:00-17:00.

‘Welcoming the God of Wealth’ Folk Parade

On the fifth day of the first lunar month (Feb. 21), a vibrant folk parade titled "Welcoming the God of Wealth" will take place. Combining traditional performances with a festive procession, the event will visit Shanghai Zoo and major commercial hubs, engaging with the public up close.

Shanghai Zoo: 10:00-10:30

The Place: 14:00-14:30

Columbia Circle: 15:30-16:00

Lantern Riddle Games and Lantern Raising Ceremony

On the evening of Feb. 21, lantern-adorned poles will light up at The Place and Columbia Circle, marking a traditional lantern-raising ceremony with deep historical roots. Visitors can also participate in lantern riddle games to redeem gifts.

Miniature Century-Old Street and Immersive Storytelling

The Changning District Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center is home to a meticulously crafted miniature replica of the historic Pusong Road N., recreating the bustling scenes of a century ago. During the Spring Festival, the center will launch "Beiyu Lane," an immersive storytelling experience blending ICH elements.

Folk Street Exhibition: Open year-round, 8:30-17:30.

Immersive Storytelling Session: Feb. 21 (the fifth day of the first lunar month), 19:00.

Changning streets dressed in red to welcome Year of the Horse

To ring in the Spring Festival, Changning District has adorned multiple roads with festive decorations, including traditional Chinese knots and red lanterns, bringing a vibrant touch of "China Red" to the streetscape.

Adding to the visual appeal, numerous storefronts along these decorated streets have joined the celebration by enhancing their own entrances and windows. Drawing on their unique styles and offerings, local businesses have created charming mini-displays, ensuring that residents encounter delightful surprises at every turn.

Shanghai Zoo gallops into Year of the Horse with zodiac-themed activities

To celebrate the Year of the Horse, an animal symbolizing strength, speed, loyalty, and aspiration in Chinese culture, Shanghai Zoo is hosting a series of zodiac-themed cultural activities from now through March 3.

Throughout the event period, multiple areas of the zoo have been adorned with zodiac-themed decorations, creating an immersive festive atmosphere for visitors. The zoo is showcasing a variety of equine species, including Przewalski's horses, Mongolian wild asses, and zebras. A special Zodiac Garden Party, running from February 17 to 23, will also feature Shetland ponies as an added attraction.

A cultural exhibition area traces the evolutionary history and conservation achievements of rare equine species such as Przewalski's horses and Mongolian wild asses. 

Visitors can also take part in a new year "Horse Hunt" activity, which offers both an in-depth exploration route and a fun check-in route, with cultural and creative prizes awarded upon completion.

The zoo has invited experts in science communication, documentary filmmaking, academia, and philately to offer in-depth interpretations of the horse's cultural and scientific significance from perspectives including biological evolution, ecological protection, and artistic symbolism.

This year's zodiac-themed activities also include several cross-sector collaborations. 

A "Shanghai Zoo Post Office" has been established in partnership with China Post, offering limited-edition Year of the Horse stamps and commemorative postmarks. 

An international children's zodiac painting exhibition will be on display, alongside folk activities such as the Zodiac Garden Party and the "Welcoming the God of Wealth" parade. 

Additionally, the zoo's cultural and creative shop has launched over 1,400 new products, including a selection of Year of the Horse limited-edition items.

Hongqiao's Spring Festival fair builds a bridge of understanding for young hearts

Hongqiao Subdistrict recently partnered with the Shanghai Hongqiao International School to host a 2026 Spring Festival fair, attracting local children and young international students to experience Chinese New Year traditions while building warm connections through cross-cultural exchange.

The school campus was adorned with festive lanterns and decorations. At the sugar painting stall, golden syrup transformed under the skilled hands of an artist into auspicious Year of the Horse patterns. Nearby, children carefully rolled ink onto woodblocks and pressed them onto paper, watching vibrant New Year prints take shape before their eyes.

On stage, a stunning display of Sichuan Opera face-changing captivated the audience. Students also presented their own distinctive performances, creating a vibrant fusion of multicultural expression and traditional Chinese art.

"I participated in the dragon dance of the Chinese New Year workshop," said Alpha Wang, a student. "It's the first time I experience this, and I think it's very wonderful."

Jonathon Jackson, principal of Shanghai Hongqiao International School, spoke highly of the event. "We love to learn about Chinese culture, and we read a lot about it—but it is a more meaningful experience, authentic for our students to participate in these activities."  

Hongqiao Subdistrict will continue to collaborate with international schools, municipal cultural venues, and community partners, focusing on the developmental needs of young people and allowing traditional Chinese culture to serve as a bridge connecting children from different backgrounds.