Jing'an Moments (December 2018)
Animal art mural
More than 200 people from the Beizhan subdistrict joined hands with artists to create an artistic mural at an empty site where urban renewal is underway. The mural, 30 meters long and five meters high, features animals unique to China. such as the panda, the golden monkey and the red-crested crane. The project was designed to involve residents in public art and promote the concept of protecting animals and the environment.
Photographing sculpture
A two-month photo exhibition highlighting features of this year’s Biennale Sculpture Festival was unveiled on December 20 at the art center in Jing’an Sculpture Park. On display are about 130 photos selected from 5,039 entries submitted by 721 photographers. The pictures capture the sculptures under starry night skies and in sunlight at the break of dawn.
“At first, I had no idea how to take photos of sculptures, but after I read the introductions and tried to understand the meanings behind the works, I developed feelings for them,” said Zhang Xiaoping, whose work was among those exhibited.
According to the director of Jing’an’s urban planning authority, the exhibition is aimed at fostering appreciation of public art.
Gingko carpet
Fallen gingko leaves have created a golden carpet in Daning Park, home to more than 400 gingko trees. The park is open from 6am to 8pm, seven days a week from November 1 to April 30. Admission is free.
Roadside garden
The roadside garden at the intersection of Nanjing and Yongyuan roads has reopened to the public after renovation.
Crimson phoenix tree leaves have fallen on the red tile rooftops of historical buildings, forming a picturesque scene. Pink and purple flowers are blooming, in a hint of spring to come. The garden’s walkways have been widened and benches installed.
‘Garbage sorting’ exhibition
The Linfen Road subdistrict has decorated a spare room as a “garbage-sorting” exhibition hall. Popular online game characters like Super Mario are painted on the wall spruce up the room and attract younger people. Hand-drawn pictures showing different categories of waste, including glass, plastic and paper, are hung on a glass wall to remind people how to sort their rubbish. Local officials are on hand to explain the “green account” program that gives residents points for correctly sorting garbage. The points can be redeemed to buy daily necessities or pay utility bills.
Christmas fair
A Germany-style Christmas fair was held in The New Factories in the Jiangning Road subdistrict this month, radiating warmth despite the chilly weather. The Christkindlmark featured stalls decorated as log cabins. A variety of traditional German holiday delicacies, including baked apples, ginger cookies and grilled sausages, were on offer. The fair also had exquisite handicrafts, such as wooden Christmas trees and other holiday decorations, for sale.
The New Factories, a creative industry park transformed from old factory workshops, is a popular destination among local trendsetters. Nearly a third of its occupants are foreign companies.
Crystal tree
A 15-meter-high Christmas tree, made with more than 100,000 artificial crystals, has become a popular destination among local young people during the end-of-year holiday season. Around the bottom of a tree, a toy train loaded with bling-bling snowmen and other characters circles. The tree emits pink and blue lights into the night, creating a romantic ambience.
Dance performance
Young dancers and celebrities from Shanghai, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan staged a dance performance at the historic Paramount Dance Hall in the Jing’an District.
They included Pauline Wu, deputy of the Shanghai Overseas Friendship Association, who said it was an excellent platform to enhance cultural exchanges.
Lu Xiaodong, director and Party chief of the Jing’an, said the district maintains exchange programs with Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, especially among younger people.