UU Center deepens China-chic push with Hanfu contest

The Shanghai adult qualifying round of the 2026 Li Yi Hua Xia Hanfu Model Contest was recently held at UU Center, forming a key part of the shopping mall’s “Summer Fun Quest” campaign in June.

The Shanghai division of this year’s contest features two main categories: an adult qualifying round and a children’s special competition. During the adult qualifiers on June 13, over 100 Hanfu enthusiasts and professional Chinese‑style models competed on the same stage, fully showcasing the beauty of traditional Hanfu silhouettes and styles.

The Li Yi Hua Xia Hanfu Model Contest is a highly influential professional Hanfu benchmark event in China, with its reach spanning 70 cities across 28 provinces nationwide.

Beyond the competition stage, contestants in exquisite Hanfu attire strolled through UU Center, interacting closely with the public and demonstrating the elegance of traditional dress. An intangible cultural heritage (ICH) China-chic bazaar brought together 14 featured ICH stalls, showcasing flower‑thread filigree inlay, Suzhou fans, lacquered fans, traditional paper‑cutting, Chinese tea artistry, and handmade ancient‑style accessories. On June 28, the children’s special competition will feature nearly 60 young contestants, showcasing their youthful charm through classical Chinese aesthetics.

Additionally, from June 19 to 21, the Shanghai Pet Art Festival and the 4th Tamei Pet Market will take over the mall. From June 26 to 28, the ICH China-chic bazaar will return. Changning’s first Haier Technology‑Assisted Mobility Experience Center has also begun trial operations, offering AI exoskeleton robots, intelligent mobility robot wheelchairs and other tech‑assisted mobility experiences. On the B1 floor, the mall has created a nearly 100‑square‑meter Food Zone that continues to bring in new offerings.

“Bringing in a top‑tier Guochao competition IP is a key strategic move for us to deepen our engagement with China-chic culture and position ourselves as an urban hub for this trend,” said a manager of UU Center.

UU Center

Address: 823 Changning Road

Transportation: Exit 8, Zhongshan Park Station, Metro Lines 2, 3 and 4

International volunteers gather to share insights on cross‑cultural service

More than 20 volunteers and local officials gathered in Changning District on June 16 to offer suggestions on international volunteer services, focusing on key topics such as localized adaptation services, two‑way collaboration, volunteer competency, and cross‑cultural exchange.

During the discussion, international volunteers generally agreed that volunteering helps people feel a sense of connection and belonging, thereby enhancing their personal well‑being. While helping others, they also make more friends in the community. They noted that Changning has built a warm platform for every expat volunteer who is passionate about public welfare. Many expressed their commitment to continuing urban volunteer services, encouraging more international friends and young people to join the cause, and working together to make Changning a benchmark district for international volunteerism.

Nepalese doctor Ashish Maskay, recipient of the Shanghai Magnolia Gold Award and a national “Most Beautiful Volunteer,” said he hopes to expand outreach channels and build more volunteer platforms accessible to expats, while also enriching diversified foreign‑related volunteer programs targeting youth.

Rud Aurcel Nkou-Douniama, a postgraduate student in international law at Shanghai University of International Business and Economics from the Republic of the Congo, said that cross‑cultural understanding and language communication are key to effective volunteering. He stressed the importance of respecting cultural differences and being sincere in international volunteer work.

For those seeking volunteer opportunities, an officer of the Hongqiao One‑Stop Service Center for Overseas Talent said that information is available at the center’s living service desk. The center is also working to create more cross‑cultural volunteer positions for expat residents.

Changning District is one of Shanghai’s most internationalized areas. The district is home to about one‑fifth of Shanghai’s registered overseas population, hosts 29 consular agencies in Shanghai, roughly one‑third of the city’s total, and is home to nearly 6,500 foreign‑funded enterprises, with a cumulative total of 153 regional headquarters and R&D centers.

World Cup fever hits The Place

Changning shopping mall The Place is hosting a World Cup fan festival and FIFA pop‑up event, creating a summer football destination for all-age residents and fans.

The entire shopping mall has been transformed into a football culture hotspot, featuring licensed merchandise, star player interactions, and a trendy bazaar. Life‑sized standees of ten football legends, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, can be seen throughout the venue.

In the pop‑up store at the North Atrium, over 200 types of FIFA‑licensed World Cup merchandise are on display, ranging from supporter jerseys and match balls to scarves and badges. A vintage collection area also showcases classic World Cup jerseys from past tournaments.

The 2026 World Cup mascot three‑piece set is the undeniable star attraction. Also making its debut is the first‑ever 1:1 scale plush replica of the FIFA World Cup Trophy.

At the Fan Market on Fengshang Street, the 2026 World Cup collector cards, co‑branded by China’s leading card game company KAYOU and world leading publisher of licensed collectibles Panini, made their debut.

From now through June 25, African Flavors Week brings bold, rustic South African‑style barbecue. European Week follows with Spanish paella and German sausage platters, offering a taste of Mediterranean sunshine and Central European richness. From June 26 to July 5, the theme shifts to Latin American cuisine.

The stage performances are equally spectacular. African drum and dance, Middle Eastern drum and belly dance, French chanson, and freestyle football are on rotation. The Fête de la Musique takes center stage, adding a romantic French flair to summer evenings. Later, Latin bands, samba, Cuban orchestras, and Argentine tango will take over, with DJ sets, salsa parties, and Zumba sessions.

2026 World Cup Fan Festival & FIFA Pop‑up at The Place

Address: 100 Zunyi Road

Time: Fan Festival runs through July 5; FIFA Store Pop‑up runs through July 26; Fan Market opens every Friday to Sunday, 14:00–22:00, through July 5

Livat Shanghai transforms into a playful wonderland for all ages

Livat Shanghai has launched the "Pippi Sports Fun" event, bringing the whimsical world of Pippi Longstocking into the shopping center.

As part of Ingka Centres' "Summer Play Season," the event continues the mall's deep collaboration with the Swedish national treasure IP, Pippi Longstocking. The entire mall has been transformed into a playground filled with childlike wonder and imagination, blending sports challenges, cultural experiences, and shopping scenarios.

Inside the mall, many visitors are using the AR Playground mini-program to check off interactive points scattered throughout the venue. The physical challenge competition is highly popular, with children lining up to try activities like jumping, skipping rope, and standing long jumps, while the reading corner offers a quiet retreat for families.

Next to the mall's Gate 2, the "Midsummer Festival Night" recreates classic Nordic culture, with activities such as Nordic sack races, flower crown making, and maypole dancing attracting many families. In the evening, the Pippi Music Party starts on time at the Nordic Town on the 4th floor.

On June 26, the Livat Shanghai Nike Grind eco-friendly court will open, built using recycled shoes processed through Nike's environmental program. From July 3 to August 2, a limited-time "Lazy Chef" BearisBug x Paddi themed pop-up will be held at the mall.

Livat Shanghai has also released a community life report exploring adults' needs for play, social connection, and community life in public spaces.

"Play is not just for children; it is everyone's right," said Zhu Jiemin, president of Ingka Centres China. "By releasing the report, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of our customers' real needs for play and social interaction, and translate these insights into warmer, more participatory meeting experiences."

Changning’s entrepreneurship competition spotlights frontier tech and global talent

The Changning District qualifier of the 6th Shanghai Talent Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition was held on June 16–17, attracting over 260 project entries, with 82 high-quality projects advancing to the on-site roadshow and defense session.

The competition featured six tracks: artificial intelligence, integrated circuits, high-end equipment, biomedicine, green and low carbon, and fashion consumption, providing a professional platform for innovative entrepreneurs from home and abroad to showcase their achievements and connect with resources.

Participating teams gathered a large number of overseas returnees and senior R&D personnel with master’s and doctoral degrees, with projects covering AI scenario applications, new materials, the digital economy, and life health.

The qualifier adopted an “on site roadshow + live defense” format. Judges scored projects across multiple dimensions including technological innovation, feasibility for implementation, market competitiveness, and team strength. The district level winning projects will represent Changning in the municipal competition, competing alongside top tier projects from around the world.

Changning District is committed to building a high level hub for overseas talent innovation and entrepreneurship, leveraging the Hongqiao Haichuang Bay platform to provide full chain startup services. Winning teams in the municipal competition will be eligible for a range of support policies, including targeted investment and financing matchmaking, credit lines of up to 10 million yuan (US$1.47 million), rent free office space, and talent housing support. 

After the competition, Changning will continue to track the shortlisted projects, connect them with financial capital and incubation platforms, and deliver full cycle entrepreneurial services.