Changning fuels Shanghai with innovation and urban renewal

Shanghai Silicon Alley in Changning district. [Photo/WeChat ID: shchangning]

Shanghai's Changning district has driven high-quality economic growth during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) by focusing on the digital economy and urban renewal. The district is home to Shanghai Silicon Alley, a tech hub with nearly 900 innovative companies, such as Heihu Technology and Westwell.

Changning has integrated technology innovation with urban renewal, creating a unique innovation ecosystem. It has collaborated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences to establish the Shanghai Silicon Alley High-Quality Incubator, advancing semiconductor applications and boosting tech commercialization.

Through embedded updates, the district has revitalized its existing spaces, creating innovation zones like New Micro Smart Valley and New Quadrant, offering distinct environments for research and development. Changning has gathered 7,000 digital economy companies, which contribute nearly 60 percent of the district's tax revenue.

Shanghai's "Going Global" comprehensive service platform (Changning) sub-platform: Business representatives learn about relevant policies. [Photo/WeChat ID: shchangning]

A staff member of Inceptio Technology conducts high-speed autonomous truck simulation testing at the company's DIL Lab. [Photo/WeChat ID: shchangning]

The software and information services sector has grown at a 24.8 percent annual rate, with e-commerce platforms generating 1.62 trillion yuan ($229.7 billion) in transaction volume. Changning has also cultivated major companies such as Ctrip and Pinduoduo, while supporting emerging industries like cross-border and live-streaming e-commerce.

Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), the district will continue to advance data element reforms and integrate digital technologies into the real economy, contributing to Shanghai's development as a global metropolis.