Jing'an aims to become a global cultural hub

As this year marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Shanghai's Jing'an district has set ambitious goals to turn itself into a global cultural hub, contributing significantly to the city's "Five Centers" initiative.

A panoramic view showcases the modern skyscrapers and vibrant urban landscape of Shanghai's Jing'an district. [Photo/Shanghai Jing'an Media Center]

Aligning with the district's outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, Jing'an is set to focus on developing a core area of an international cultural metropolis, a leader in high-quality public cultural services, and a hub for influential cultural and creative industries.

During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the district will spotlight four key advantageous industries, including film and TV production, gaming and e-sports, performing arts, and creative design. Initiatives such as fashion consumption innovation, cultural creativity,  technology, and "AI+" will drive these efforts to transform Jing'an into a launchpad for super IPs and a global center for youth and future creativity.

A spacious, state-of-the-art e-sports arena in Jing'an is fully equipped to host high-level gaming tournaments. [Photo/Shanghai Jing'an Media Center]

In addition, Jing'an will integrate core resources to create new cultural landmarks. The district plans to strengthen its urban cultural brands, including the Shanghai Jing'an Modern Drama Valley. The Jing'an section of the Suzhou Creek will also become a vibrant "Youth Power Block", blending art, digital creativity, and fashion.

A guide introduces the history of a preserved heritage building in Jing'an to a group of visiting tourists. [Photo/Shanghai Jing'an Media Center]

With 428 immovable cultural relics, Jing'an is poised work to build a comprehensive, systematic, and holistic cultural heritage protection and utilization system, promoting the development of cultural relics and intangible cultural heritage through protection and their transmission through innovation, using technology and public engagement to revitalize cultural resources.

Furthermore, Jing'an will focus on performances, exhibitions, and cultural festivals to nurture influential cultural brands, develop a sound ecosystem that integrates culture, commerce, tourism, sports, and exhibitions, and create a new engine for fashion consumption.