Summer blooms transform ECUPL’s riverside promenade

Summer blooms transform ECUPL’s riverside promenade

Crape myrtle flowers are in full bloom alongside the waterfront promenade inside the Changning campus of East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL).

The clusters of crape myrtle flowers sparsely but gracefully dot the branches, adding a touch of lively summer color to the ancient and elegant riverside space. As you stroll through, the blooming crape myrtle flowers are above your head, accompanied by the rippling waves of the Suzhou Creek. 

Summer is the time when crape myrtles put forth their numerous blooms in full display, and they prefer warmth and can withstand cold, while also possessing strong environmental adaptability, drought resistance, pruning resistance. In addition, crape myrtle also has strong anti-pollution ability and strong resistance to sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, and chlorine gas, making it an excellent urban greening and ecological tree species.

Crepe myrtle usually blossoms from June till the end of September, with up to 100 days of blooming time. The colors of crape myrtle are mostly light red, purple red, and white, often forming a terminal inflorescence of 7 to 20 centimeters on the branches, like a cluster of small flower umbrellas.

Along the riverside trail, the blooming crape myrtle flowers and historical buildings on ECUPL’s campus complement each other. The newly blooming flowers are full of vitality, and the old buildings with stories together form a unique and beautiful scenery along the Suzhou Creek. 

Residents, visitors and the general public are invited to enjoy the seasonal scenery in the summer time to escape the urban hustle.  

Walking along the Suzhou Creek ECUPL Promenade, one can enjoy the ancient campus with historical buildings veiled in the shadows of the flowers, bringing even more charm. Together, they paint a picture of beautiful ecological environment where watery landscape and urban scenery intertwined. 

 

Changning the only district in city to win top prize of outstanding building economy

Changning District became the only one in Shanghai to be awarded the “2025 China High Quality Development District for Building Economy”, a latest testament to the excellent commercial building environment, commercial infrastructure and the continuous contribution for regional economic growth and high quality development. 

The China Commercial Building Economic High Quality Development Conference was successfully wrapped up in Shenzhen recently. Changning is among around two dozens of city/district level regions to stood out and receive the “High Quality Development of Building Economy” Prize. 

Major commercial buildings have been significant contributors of the district’s overall economic growth, making it a regional center for international commerce. In 2024, commercial building economy made up nearly 60 percent of the district’s overall economy size. 

A number of commercial building complex have been put into use in recent years, further propelling the economic growth in the region by offering tiered commercial infrastructure for different kinds of industry sectors. 

There are a total of 282 major sites of commercial buildings, complex and industry parks, spanning a construction area of around seven million square meters.

Major landmarks such as the Hongqiao Linkong Economic Park and Shanghai Hongqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone are already home to a number of leading multinationals and local companies.

Changning is also well known for a number of significant industry clusters such as airliner services, digital economy, fashion and creative industry, financial services and health wellness-related service. 

Changning has set up build a comprehensive evaluation system for commercial office buildings, focusing on key dimensions such as hardware facilities, economic benefits, business environment. The district authorities have carried out precise investigation, investment promotion and targeted services for enterprises located in the office buildings, to ensure a higher efficiency for building management.

As many as 1 million square meter of new commercial space and office building will be available in Changning by the end of this year, offering solid background for economic growth. 

 

Haisu Culture Plaza to be transformed into new consumption venue

The Haisu Culture Plaza will become a new retail space for leisure activities, dining and many more night time activities in the near future, according to Huayang Road Subdistrict officials. 

The Huayang Subdistrict held an open day activity on August 7 with several dozens of representatives and residents of the community neighborhood. 

They got to learn about the latest development of community governance, and the latest advancement of urban renewal initiatives. The event is a part of the Shanghai government’s open month campaign. 

The Haisu Culture Plaza sits beside the Liu Haisu Art Museum and it’s set to become a comprehensive space for retail, catering and other leisure activities that suit the nearby neighborhood. 

During the day time, it will become an open space for strolling and taking tests, while in the evening it is expected to cater to dining and other leisure activities. 

During the open day event, several dozens of visitors, residents also visited the party service center at Haisu Culture Plaza, a shared community space covering 680 square meters. Staff at the service center help handle social administrative approval procedures as well as government services, procurement services and public welfare services. It also provides assistance with party-related paperwork, offers training programs, and facilitates communication among party members.

Deputy director Lin Zhe at the general control room of the Huayang Road Police Station also introduced a number of efforts to tackle neighborhood disputes such as noise issues and pet issues. 

Representatives of the neighborhood said they are pleased to see the urban renewal projects taking place in the area, which has benefited the everyday life of businesses as well as residents. For example, Hesai Technology, a leading lidar technology provider, has also enjoyed the favorable business environment in the region, which gave it a sense of belonging and determination to seek further development in the region. 

 

Changning kicks off community sports festival

Multiple sports activities and competitions started in Changning District at Changning Raffles City on August 8 as the Changning District National Fitness Day and the third Changning Community Sports Festival took place.

More than 100 residents took part in zumba, boxing, and dance sessions. The event also kicked off the 2025 Explore Shanghai Orienteering Challenge Series and the "Pet Sports Games" combining entertainment, social activities, competition, and retail.

The sports carnival area featured eight activities such as mini golf and fun archery, drawing in many passersby to join on-site.

The festival revealed the district's integration of business, tourism, culture, and sports.

It will run through late September, with about 60 events scheduled across 10 subdistricts and towns, covering more than 30 sports. Six commercial circles and nearly 100 businesses will take part, offering promotional deals.

 

UU Center blends tradition and modernity with hanfu contest

The finals of the 2025 Hanfu Model Contest Shanghai Division took place at the UU Center on August 9, rekindling the millennia-old elegance of Chinese costumes and the everlasting charm of traditional Chinese culture.

The competition has been held for seven consecutive years. 

This year's competition kicked off in April, spanning over 100 cities. After intense competitions and selections, the Shanghai Division finals gathered nearly 100 contestants, who showcased the profound heritage of hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) from various dynasties. 

They interpreted the etiquette and demeanor of "splendid Chinese attire" and demonstrated the beauty of Oriental aesthetics.

An intangible cultural heritage guofeng (China-chic) market was held alongside, featuring booths showcasing porcelain, embroidery, Song brocade, calligraphy and painting, bamboo plaiting, and thangka.

There were also booths offering incense art, crocheting, Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) pastries, jade jewelry, fans and coral jade, among others, attracting many visitors.

The event integrated tradition and modernity, showcasing the diverse charm of hanfu, which aligns with the mall's philosophy of "creativity, openness, and exploration." 

The complex is located at the intersection of Changning Road, Dingxi Road, and Yuyuan Road. 

Since its opening in May last year, it has continuously refreshed its commercial formats to meet consumers' diverse needs. 

In the first half of this year, the complex has successfully introduced new chain brands such as first stores and flagship stores, and held special events like Shenhua fans' parties and fragrance therapy experiences. 

It is expected that the overall occupancy rate of the mall will reach 70 percent by the end of this year. 

A large number of new stores will open in October, including the "Mobile 5G-A Shenhua Co-branded Business Hall," which will provide communication services and serve as a platform for displaying Shenhua fans' culture and an interactive window.

It will also offer services such as ticket purchasing, 5G experiences, and star activity reservations. 

Miniso will occupy over 400 square meters as a flagship store. The well-known trendy fried chicken brand POPEYES will settle on the first floor of the mall.

The center is also updating its signage and decor as part of its retail upgrades. A company representative said the complex, which integrates retail, office, and hotel spaces, will continue exploring cross-sector operations to attract diverse customer groups.

 

Address: 823 Changning Road

Hours: 10am - 10pm

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