【Shanghai Daily & JING’AN News】Moments in July

Editor's Notes

Jing'an Keywords

A “red” post office has opened in the memorial to celebrate the centenary this year of the second CPC National Congress. — Ti Gong

Jing'an sits at the heart of Shanghai. It represents the essence of the history and culture of the city, home to century-old buildings, big-name attractions, glitzy retail malls and charming art galleries. Annual music and art events give the district a distinctive ambience. In this series, we showcase the highlights of Jing'an.

‘Red’ spirit lingers

A memorial now stands in Fudeli to mark the second National Congress of the Communist Party of China. — Jiang Xiaowei

A “red” post office opened in mid-July as a curtain raiser to a series of events planned this year to celebrate the centenary of the second CPC National Congress, an important episode in the Community Party of China’s history.

Situated in the memorial on the former meeting site on Laochengdu Road N., it is quite literally a “red” post office inside and out — decorated with brownish red colors, and crammed with a motley collection of knick-knacks and books that record big events and names in the history of the CPC.

A red mailbox of an adult’s height stands prominently on one side. Postmen pick up mail at 4:23pm every day in tribute to the meeting that was held between July 16 and 23, 1922.

It is highly recommended to send off a postcard exclusive to the site.

Each postcard is printed with a unique QR code which when scanned will allow the user to listen to a 30-second audio. It is also printed in braille for the visually impaired to get to know the CPC’s history.

In July 1922, the second Na- tional Congress convened its first session in secret at the residence of Li Da, a cofounder of the CPC, in the shikumen (stone-gate housing) neighborhood of Fudeli.

In the early 1920s, members of the ruling Kuomintang greatly out numbered the newly founded CPC which, in 1922, only had about 200 members across the nation. The CPC members had to shelter in cramped shikumen to carry out their revolutionary work.

Comprised of rows of similar-looking shikumen buildings, Fudeli was a wealthy neighborhood situated where the former International Settlement and French concession met. It became one of the few clandestine sites that survived police raids and held secret meetings.

Over eight days, the 12 delegates released the Manifesto of the CPC and shaped the first CPC Constitution, which consisted of six chapters and 4,000 words.

They included major CPC co-founders Chen Duxiu, Zhou Enlai’s classmate Li Zhenying and early CPC leader Cai Hesen, who was later betrayed and executed for revolutionary activities at the age of 36.

In a footnote to history, late Chairman Mao Zedong was supposed to attend the meeting but he didn’t make it. In a conversation with American journalist Edgar Snow in 1936, he said he just forgot the exact address and couldn’t find any comrades to enlighten him.

Fudeli also witnessed the establishment of the People’s Publishing House, which has survived to this day as one of the most reputable publishers in China.

It started as a one-man workshop, with Li Da serving as editor, proof-reader and publisher. To prevent the publication from being discovered by the ruling Kuomintang government, Li was said to have nominated a fake address and disguised CPC propa- ganda leaflets as New Year’s cards.

A memorial now stands on the site. Over the years, Jing’an has carried out several rounds of facelifts to renovate its appearance and upgrade its exhibitions. Notably, last year, it staged the “red” drama “Once Upon A Time In Fudeli.”

The play depicts the persistence and sacrifice of patriots, revolu- tionaries and early members of the Communist Party of China a century ago, telling stories of its early days and China’s winding journey toward national rejuvenation.

The play became a smash hit as a result of a nationwide tour. This year, Jing’an government plans to introduce it to a wider audience and publish a book about Fudeli.

Newly opened JC Plaza pumps more vitality into trading landscape

Jil Sander

In the first half of this year, despite the impact of the pandemic lockdown, Jing’an has introduced 42 “first” stores, nearly one-fifth of the city’s total.

Amiri

Maison Margiela

The hotel-renovated commercial complex JC Plaza has partly opened for trial operation, injecting new blood into the city’s vibrant trading landscape and further fueling the “debut economy” in which businesses open their first stores and launch new products in Shanghai.

Built on the former site of Shanghai JC Mandarin Hotel, one of the city’s oldest luxury hotels dating back 30 years, JC Plaza is a fresh landmark on Nanjing Road W., featuring luxury outlets and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Italian luxury group OTB has stolen a march on its competitors by opening flagship stores of four of its avant-garde designer brands: Maison Margiela, Marni, Jil Sander and Amiri.

For Maison Margiela, it is the brand’s largest flagship store in the world.

Also, it is Marni’s first concept flagship store in China, Jil Sander’s first flagship store in China and Amiri’s first store in the Asia Pacific region.

What’s more, there is more than just shopping.

Maison Margiela has introduced a pop-up exhibition of its iconic bag Glam Slam and opened Shanghai’s first Maison Margiela Café . Marni invites domestic artists to work with creative director Francesco Risso to co-create artworks.

Jil Sander creative directors Lucie and Luke Meier have initiated the “Jil Sander Flora” project, neatly blending floral installations into store displays. Amiri has created a casual Los Angeles vibe through furnishings.

The large facades of the four stores are prominent along bustling Nanjing Road W. , something like Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles and Regent Street in London. Across the road are the well-established stores of Bulgari, Cartier, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and others in the iconic Plaza 66 shoping mall.

Diego Menarin, OTB’s Asia Pacific regional president, thinks it’s a good bet to put the four flagship stores under the same roof.

“Jing’an stands out for its highly developed world-recognized business and commerce, especially the Nanjing Road W. commercial zone which can rival other popular luxury destinations in Milan, Paris, London and New York. So, Nanjing Road W. is our first and best entry point to the Chinese mainland,” he said.

In a more ambitious plan, OTB expects to double its stores in the Chinese mainland in two years, he revealed, noting that the group has a positive outlook for the Chinese market. Nanjing Road W.’s commercial precinct has topped others in the city in several years in terms of the “debut economy”, greatly facilitating Jing’an’s progress to becoming a world-class commercial hub.

In the first half of this year, despite the impact of the pandemic lockdown, Jing’an has introduced 42 “first” stores, nearly one-fifth of the city’s total.

They include the first high-end jewelry salon of De Beers diamond mining company in China, the debut store of German luxury sportswear brand Bogner in Shanghai, the first concept store of luxury brand Shanghai Tang in China and the first outlet of California-based Blue Bottle Coffee on the Chinese mainland.

Since June, international luxury brands with regional headquarters or offices in Jing’an — such as the world’s top three luxury groups LVMH, Kerring and Richemont — have launched campaigns to promote new products, concepts and outlets.

Dior selected its Asia flagship store in Plaza 66 as one of the stores to debut its newest Dioriviera collection.

Other brands eying Plaza 66 as a good location to debut new collections.

Some are embracing new retailing trends like crossover and interactive experiences.

Gucci released the latest line in its collaboration with adidas and initiated “Blooming Shanghai” projects to look for rising artists whose works would be presented as giant murals in commercial and cultural landmarks.

According to Jing’an Commerce Commission, the district will accelerate the upgrades for its major commercial zones of Nanjing Road W., Daning and Suhe Bay in the remaining months of the year.

Colorful ‘pocket parks’provide shady respite from scorching heat

Kids have fun in the fountain outside Jing’an Kerry Center. — Jiang Xiaowei

Shanghai is sizzling hot! Since the city entered summer on May 30, it has reported 23 days with the mercury climbing over 35 degrees Celsius.

The temperature hit 37 degrees on eight of those days, weather authorities said on July 21. And there’s no respite expected from these dog days in the near future.

But people have their own ways of chilling out.

A fountain outside Jing’an Kerry Center has become a popular destination for kids to splash around.

Wearing swimsuits and goggles, carrying buckets and squirt guns, they really have fun, as if they were in a Maldives resort paradise.

What’s better, it’s totally free!

“Pocket parks” dotted on every corner of Jing’an offer another free option to hide from the scorching heat.

As the name suggests, “pocket parks” are mini parks tucked away on street corners, usually designed to include existing greenery.

The tree canopy offers natural shade against the sun, casts shadows and cools the air. The vivid kaleidoscope of colors and delicate floral arrangements are a wonderful antidote to a fractious mood.

In Jing’an, every “pocket park” is unique, like the one at the intersection of Weihai Road and Shaanxi Road N.

It features white and gray concrete flower beds, benches and corridors in an almost Nordic design based on minimalism and simplicity but with a stylish edge.

Ornamental grasses and vibrant clusters of blue and violet blossoms are planted to create a “blue” garden.

As dusk falls, LED lights in the style of reeds hidden among grasses and twigs are illuminated to blend with the silver moonlight, enveloping the park with a soft and tender ambience.

An aesthetically beautiful “pocket garden” prevails at the corner of Nanjing Road W. and Shimen No. 1 Road.

Surrounded by vertical green walls rising 5.5 meters, it is like a courtyard tucked into the concrete jungle. The walls are covered with the vibrant colors of red geraniums, pink begonia, white baby’s breath and hardy blue-flowered leadwort.

The flowers are arranged to meld with patterns on the façades of nearby historical buildings.

The dark gray, volcanic rock ground is embellished with redleafed maples and red plum blossoms.

A carpet of pink muhly grass perfectly matches the lavender-colored, perforated aluminum panels erected as decoration. They are a nod to Italian painting master Giorgio Morandi, renowned for his muted colors and quiet simplicity.

A music-themed “pocket park” at the corner of Jiaozhou and Anyuan roads has its own name: Garden of Nature Sound.

True to its name, notes written on music stuff are incorporated into the design of the park’s walking paths and benches. Plus, an interactive installation formed by giant loudspeakers gives out sounds akin to birds singing, bells ringing and water flowing.

Coolness for unsung heroes

Medics in protective outfit put on cooling packs to protect from heat stroke before performing nucleic acid tests in Zhijiang Road W. Subdistrict. — Ti Gong

While most of us stay cool inside air-conditioned rooms or rest in the shade, outdoor workers spend endless hours under a scorching sun to ensure the city runs smoothly. For nucleic acid testing personnel, it’s real tough.

Employers, authorities and subdistricts have stepped up their efforts to bring a touch of coolness.

In the Shibei High Technology Park, there is a service station for outdoor workers like street cleaners, package and food delivery workers, truck and taxi drivers, traffic police officers, nucleic acid testing personnel and volunteers.

The service station provides free iced drinks, sun protection arm sleeves and Liushen-branded floral water, a must-have for Shanghainese in summer. It contains several kinds of traditional herbal ingredients that can provide coolness and sooth insect bites. A deliveryman, who wouldn’t disclose his name, rushed to the service station for a rest, and glugged down a bottle of iced salted soda water after he had delivered nine parcels in one hour.

“I’m dying of thirst and melting with heat,” he said. “This place is so great. I get free drinks and I felt refreshed,” he said.

Though the mercury hit 40 degrees Celsius, nurse Zheng Jun was still wrapped in a thick protective outfit as she performed nucleic acid tests in the Zhijiang Road W. Subdistrict neighborhood. Zheng admitted that she and her colleagues had suffered acute sunstroke.

After work, the sweat was pouring off her, literally. “I pour out sweat in my gloves and shoe covers,” she said.

Thankfully, in recent days, the subdistrict prepared giant ice cubes and misting fans to cool the surroundings.“I feel much better now,” she said, adding that she’s been very moved by local residents who often come to say thank you.”

Picasso works on display

An exhibition displaying 202 pieces of genuine Pablo Picasso works has opened at the Meet You Museum.

The “Meet Pablo Ruiz Picasso” exhibition features a variety of the master’s works, including oil paintings, prints, photos and pottery and porcelain from the Pablo Ruiz Picasso Foundation that runs the Picasso Birthplace Museum in Málaga, Spain.

As one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Picasso’s art has influenced many generations, especially Cubism — a revolutionary style of modern art he created based on concepts of construction and deconstruction.

The exhibition shows his changing aesthetic tastes from a young age to his late years, with the earliest work dating back to 1896 when he was 15 years old and the latest completed four years before his death in 1973.

The exhibition at 210 Wenshui Road will run to September 12. Online booking is required.

Nucleic acid testing robot

The Linfen Road Subdistrict has introduced an automated nucleic acid testing kiosk to relieve the burden of mass testing.

A robot works in the kiosk to collect swab samples and it completes the whole process for one tester in less than 1 minute.

The site is not yet open to the public. Once put into use, it will open 24 hours a day.

Second Blue Bottle outlet

California-based Blue Bottle Coffee will open a new outlet in Jing’an Kerry Center.

It will be its second outlet on the Chinese mainland, after the first opened near Suzhou Creek.

Interior decoration is still ongoing, and an official opening date hasn’t been decided.

Blue Bottle is an emerging brand in the global coffee landscape and it has gained wide popularity. But why Jing’an, twice?

“We open outlets where coffee lovers are,” according to the company.

Shanghai has actually overtaken New York in having the largest number of coffee shops in the world. A year ago, it had nearly 7,000 coffee shops, and there’s an average of 2.85 cafes for every 10,000 people in Shanghai.

Notably, the Nanjing Road W. commercial zone has the most coffee shops in the city, with 57.9 of them operating in every 1 square kilometer.

Tireless girl arrives

Three giant installations of the popular “Tireless Girl” collection by artist Zhou Riyang have landed in Mamǎfufú at 850 Xikang Road.

The girl, in orange top and polka-dot pants, represents a new, fresh and free soul, Zhou said.

She hopes to encourage today’s young people to adopt a positive approach to work and life.

The installation trio has also lighted up the site.

Mamǎfufú has been adapted from the former factory of a timehonored brand, Marie’s, which specialized in painting materials.

Now, it is a trendy commercial site with art exhibitions, DIY workshops and pop-up stores.

It is decorated with bright colors as if a palette was thrown and scattered everywhere to maintain a link with Marie’s.

When music meets painting

The “Play Me, I’m Yours” campaign has returned to HKRI Taikoo Hui this month.

Initiated by the British artist Luke Jerram to connect people through music, the campaign has expanded to dozens of cities across the world, with more than 2,000 pianos placed in open spaces for people to play for free.

This year, HKRI Taikoo Hui added six pianos around the shopping mall. Wome are set up against the backdrop of famous paintings such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and Van Gogh’s “The Night Café in the Place Lamartine in Arles.”

来源：区新闻办、上海日报

编辑：徐悦琳