Recently, the 2025 “Shanghai-Hong Kong Integration · Creating the Future” exchange activity for young Hong Kong employees visiting Shanghai, along with the “I See · I Know” Hong Kong Youth Understanding the Motherland series Shanghai trip, was held in Shanghai. This event brought together 30 young employee representatives from Hong Kong working in state-owned enterprises to participate in national education and exchange activities.

Through immersive visits, the Hong Kong youth gained insight into Shanghai’s profound revolutionary cultural heritage as the birthplace of the Communist Party of China and a forefront of reform and opening-up. They witnessed firsthand Shanghai’s new achievements in high-quality development and modern urban governance on the path of Chinese modernization, continuously deepening their sense of ownership, national pride, and patriotic sentiments.

At the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China Memorial Hall, the Hong Kong youth paused before artifacts carrying revolutionary memories. Through detailed historical materials and following the grand historical context, they deeply understood the unwavering sacrifice and struggle of generations of Communists and patriots for national independence and people’s liberation, gaining clearer insight into why the Communist Party’s leadership represents the choice of history and the people.

Event活动现场

The Hong Kong youth visited the Shanghai Sihang Warehouse Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall, standing before the bullet-riddled western wall that bears witness to national memory. Through professional explanations, they experienced the heroic spirit of Chinese soldiers and civilians represented by the “Eight Hundred Heroes” who demonstrated fearless sacrifice and patriotic responsibility during the nation’s survival crisis.

During the week-long itinerary, the Hong Kong youth visited multiple Shanghai landmarks around different themes: “Shanghai’s Charm” included Shanghai Science Hall, Huashan·263 Time-honored Brand Museum, Wukang Road Historical and Cultural District, Soong Ching Ling’s Former Residence, and Chengkai·Hui Community Youth Talent Apartments; “Science and Innovation” featured SAIC Volkswagen Plant Three and Caohejing Development Zone; “National Pillars” included Shanghai Electric.

Event活动现场

During the event, the Hong Kong youth conducted youth forums and discussion exchanges focusing on the theme “Shanghai-Hong Kong Integration · Creating the Future.” In the forum exchanges, they shared their insights from the visits through TED-style speeches, discussing their understanding of Shanghai’s urban spirit and state-owned enterprise culture. During Q&A sessions, they explored how to better understand national and enterprise conditions, leverage their advantages, contribute to Shanghai’s “Five Centers” construction, and maintain Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.

The young Hong Kong employee representatives stated that this activity allowed them to witness firsthand how Shanghai’s state-owned enterprises serve as pillars of economic and social development – shouldering heavy responsibilities in economic construction, demonstrating efficiency in urban operations, and fulfilling their mission of creating better lives, which filled them with great pride.

First National Congress of the Communist Party of China Memorial Hall

The First National Congress of the Communist Party of China Memorial Hall in Shanghai commemorates the founding of the CPC in July 1921. The site preserves the original meeting location where delegates secretly convened to establish the party’s first program and central leadership. It now serves as a museum showcasing historical documents and artifacts from this pivotal event in modern Chinese history.

Shanghai Sihang Warehouse Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall

The Shanghai Sihang Warehouse Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall commemorates the Defense of Sihang Warehouse, a pivotal 1937 battle during the Second Sino-Japanese War. It honors the 452 Chinese soldiers who held the warehouse for four days against a much larger Japanese force, an event that galvanized national resistance. The memorial, located in the original warehouse building, preserves the battle’s history and serves as a monument to China’s wartime perseverance.

Shanghai Science Hall

The Shanghai Science Hall is a prominent public science education venue located in the former French Concession, housed in a historic building that originally served as the clubhouse for the French Sports Federation in the early 20th century. Today, it functions as a major hub for science popularization, hosting interactive exhibitions, lectures, and events to promote scientific literacy among the public. Its unique blend of European architectural heritage and modern scientific mission makes it a distinctive cultural landmark in Shanghai.

Huashan·263 Time-honored Brand Museum

The Huashan·263 Time-honored Brand Museum is a cultural institution in Shanghai dedicated to preserving and showcasing China’s historic brands, many of which date back over a century. It highlights the evolution of these brands, reflecting Shanghai’s commercial history and cultural heritage from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum offers insights into how these enduring enterprises have adapted and thrived through China’s economic transformations.

Wukang Road Historical and Cultural District

The Wukang Road Historical and Cultural District is a famous tree-lined avenue in Shanghai, renowned for its collection of over 200 well-preserved historic mansions and apartment buildings from the 1920s and 1930s. It was a prestigious residential area in the former French Concession and is celebrated for its diverse architectural styles, including Spanish, British, and Art Deco. Today, it stands as a protected cultural area, offering a glimpse into Shanghai’s cosmopolitan golden age.

Soong Ching Ling’s Former Residence

Soong Ching Ling’s Former Residence in Beijing was the final home of Soong Ching Ling (1893-1981), the honorary president of the People’s Republic of China and wife of Sun Yat-sen. The beautifully preserved courtyard residence, originally part of a prince’s garden, showcases her living quarters and personal effects, reflecting her life and work during the latter half of the 20th century. It now operates as a museum commemorating her significant role in modern Chinese history.

Chengkai·Hui Community Youth Talent Apartments

The Chengkai·Hui Community Youth Talent Apartments are a modern residential complex in China designed to attract and support young professionals and skilled workers. Developed as part of government and corporate initiatives to foster talent retention in urban areas, these apartments offer affordable, high-quality housing with community amenities. Their history reflects China’s broader strategy to boost local innovation and economic growth by creating supportive environments for emerging talent.

SAIC Volkswagen Plant Three

The SAIC Volkswagen Plant Three is a modern automotive manufacturing facility located in Anting, Shanghai, which began operations in 2019. It represents a significant joint venture between SAIC Motor and Volkswagen Group, focusing on the production of electric vehicles and utilizing advanced Industry 4.0 technologies. This plant underscores the strategic expansion and technological evolution of Volkswagen’s production capabilities in the Chinese market.