The Shanghai International Flower Festival, which opened on April 18, is turning flower-viewing foot traffic into economic growth. Since its opening, in the first five days (April 18 to 22), the main venues received 4.29 million visitors, with an average daily footfall of over 850,000. In 34 core commercial districts, including the Xintiandi area in Huangpu District, the Qiantan area in Pudong New Area, and the Suhewan Central Green area in Jing’an District, total sales reached 242 million yuan, showing significant year-on-year growth.
Among them, the Qiantan area in Pudong New Area performed prominently, with its core commercial district driving a sales increase of over 31% for local street merchants. On its opening day, the Suhewan Mixc World attracted over 120,000 visitors, a surge of 250% year-on-year, and sales increased by 231% year-on-year, with 23 brand merchants achieving record-high performance since their opening.
Empowering the city and involving all citizens are two major features of this year’s Shanghai International Flower Festival. This year’s festival promotes deep integration of flowers with culture, commerce, tourism, sports, and exhibitions. The main and branch venues will showcase over 2,000 new and superior plant varieties, 349 themed attractions, and organize over 200 events—doubling the number of attractions and events compared to last year. “All citizens are hosts of the flower festival, jointly enjoying this grand carnival,” a representative stated.
In recent years, many citizens have reported that “buying flowers online lacks the on-site experience, but there are few places nearby to buy flowers offline,” suggesting that flower markets be introduced into parks. As high-frequency venues for leisure activities, parks naturally have a solid visitor base and an atmosphere close to nature, which aligns well with flower display and sales. The greening department has already set up flower consumption and cultural scenes in dozens of Shanghai parks.
“However, we must also consider the operating conditions of flower shops and markets to find a sustainable and effective win-win model,” the representative noted. The greening department is currently coordinating with some commercial districts to guide them in setting up flower consumption scenes in high-traffic areas. In short, whether in parks or shopping malls, everyone can enjoy the beauty of life.
A number of popular outdoor seating areas, known as “smoky landmarks,” have been formed across the city. At the ongoing Shanghai International Flower Festival, the Dongtai Road market created by Huangpu Xintiandi in conjunction with the flower exhibition has been extremely popular. The outdoor seating area on University Road in Yangpu has become a model of refined management, with standardized regulations helping the district’s sales exceed 265 million yuan over two years. The riverside outdoor seating block at West Bund Dream Center in Xuhui offers a complete range of coffee, light meals, and leisure options. In the “Jufuchang” block in Jing’an, overseas tourists account for 60% of visitors, making it a benchmark for street socializing that showcases Shanghai’s charm. These places are both clean and attractive, lively and orderly, providing the “smoky atmosphere” that citizens and tourists expect from Shanghai.
The representative revealed that Shanghai is accelerating the formulation of “Guidelines for Outdoor Seating Setup,” which will further clarify specific norms. For example, at least two meters of continuous and unobstructed pedestrian space must be reserved; blind lanes and fire exits must not be blocked; dining is allowed in outdoor seating areas, but cooking is not; outdoor seating facilities must be movable and compatible with the surrounding environment; and the use of flower boxes and green plants as partitions is encouraged to turn outdoor seating into a scenic feature of the street.
Xintiandi area in Huangpu District
Xintiandi is a stylish, pedestrian-friendly commercial and entertainment district in Shanghai’s Huangpu District, known for its blend of modern architecture and restored traditional *shikumen* (stone-gate) houses. Historically, this area was a dense residential neighborhood of narrow lanes and alleyways, built in the early 20th century during Shanghai’s French Concession. Its redevelopment in the early 2000s transformed it into a popular destination for dining, shopping, and nightlife, while preserving the cultural heritage of the original buildings.
Qiantan area
Xintiandi area in Huangpu District
Xintiandi in Huangpu District, Shanghai, is a stylish pedestrian area known for its blend of traditional Shikumen architecture and modern boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Originally a residential neighborhood built in the early 20th century, it was redeveloped in the late 1990s and early 2000s, preserving the historic lane houses while transforming the area into a vibrant cultural and commercial hub. The site also houses the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, adding significant historical depth to its contemporary allure.
Qiantan area in Pudong New Area
The Qiantan area in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, is a rapidly developing waterfront district along the Huangpu River. Historically part of the city’s industrial and agricultural outskirts, it has been transformed in recent years into a modern business, cultural, and residential hub, featuring green spaces and the Qiantan Riverside Park. The area exemplifies Shanghai’s ongoing urban expansion and commitment to creating sustainable, mixed-use communities east of the river.
Suhewan Central Green area in Jing’an District
The Suhewan Central Green area is a modern urban park located in Jing’an District, Shanghai, situated along the Suzhou Creek. Developed as part of the city’s waterfront revitalization efforts, the area transformed former industrial and warehouse spaces into a vibrant public green space, blending ecological design with cultural elements. Its history reflects Shanghai’s shift from a manufacturing hub to a focus on sustainable urban living and leisure.
Dongtai Road market
Dongtai Road Market, located in Shanghai, was once a famous flea market known for selling antiques, vintage items, and collectibles. Established decades ago, it became a popular destination for locals and tourists seeking unique treasures. However, the market closed in 2019 as part of urban redevelopment, marking the end of an era for this beloved cultural site.
University Road in Yangpu
University Road in Yangpu, Shanghai, is a historic street that runs through the heart of the city’s university district, home to prestigious institutions like Fudan University and Tongji University. Originally developed in the early 20th century, the road has long been a hub of intellectual and cultural activity, fostering academic exchange and student life. Today, it remains a vibrant corridor lined with bookstores, cafes, and landmarks that reflect the area’s rich educational heritage.
West Bund Dream Center in Xuhui
The West Bund Dream Center in Xuhui, Shanghai, is a prominent cultural and creative hub located along the Huangpu River. Originally a former industrial site, it has been transformed into a modern art and exhibition space, hosting major events like the West Bund Art & Design Fair. Its revitalization reflects Shanghai’s broader effort to repurpose historic industrial areas into vibrant centers for contemporary culture and public engagement.
Jufuchang block in Jing’an
The Jufuchang block in Jing’an, Shanghai, is a revitalized historical area that once housed a bustling textile mill complex during the early 20th century. After years of industrial decline, it was transformed into a trendy cultural and creative hub, blending preserved red-brick factory buildings with modern art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Today, it stands as a vibrant example of Shanghai’s successful urban renewal, honoring its industrial past while fostering contemporary creativity.
