Jing'an bustles with culture and commerce

In the concrete jungle, how can people still feel a human connection? Downtown Jing’an livens up the district by offering a variety of immersive and interactive experiences.

People are attracted to Jing’an by its unique vibe and style, which makes people feel they are embraced and involved in things taking place there, Lin Xiaojue, director of Jing’an Commerce Commission, said in a forum held at the HKRI Taikoo Hui mall.

“Many people had asked me whether street performers could return to their stage outside the Jing’an Park. As the novel coronavirus outbreak was contained in Shanghai, they were back this month,” she said.

The reopened Green Escape fair outside the Jing’an Kerry Center, offering food, flowers and games, is also jammed with visitors every weekend.

“It creates a place for people to communicate, and social networking has become a trend in the retailing complex,” Lin said.

Last Saturday marked Cultural and Natural Heritage Day. Jing’an designed two historical walking tours, guiding visitors to explore the history of Suhe Bay and Shaanxi Road N. The tours were also livestreamed.

Major sites on the routes include Moller Villa, Ohel Rachel Synagogue, the former Shanghai of Commerce and the Sihang Warehouse Battel Memorial.

“We can’t lose our history because they can raise echoes with people and reflect local spirit,” Lin said.

Ren Peiying, founder of She House, which renovates dilapidated old buildings into modern guesthouses, said the company’s current project in the Taiping Garden on Shaanxi Road N. offers guided tours to experience local life.

“Now we are not only renovating historical buildings. Instead, we bring both old buildings and old lifestyles to life. And we take guests to truly understand local life,” she said.

According to Zoe Chow, chief executive of HKRI Taikoo Hui, the mall has erected art installations, held exhibitions and organized activities in its public space.

“We also hope to create an urban oasis along the bustling Nanjing Road. Our complex includes an 11,000-square-meter green area, including a century-old tree and 69 cherry trees. They let people stop, have a rest and enjoy the natural scenes,” she said.

Currently, 15 hand-painted pianos are placed in the mall, available for anyone to play. Also, the mall has actively taken part in the city’s Double Six Nightlife Festival by holding night running activities and weekend night fairs.