Digital transformation breathes new life into Shanghai's Yangpu

Yangpu is transforming away from its rich industrial past into a thriving digital hub. [Photo/WeChat ID: shanghai-yangpu]

At 10 am, a Meituan drone smoothly navigates the cityscape, delivering coffee to a ByteDance employee miles away and showcasing the digital transformation of Yangpu, a district with a rich industrial past.

On the Yangpu riverside, the once-bustling Shanghai Shipyard now gives way to the rising "Bili Ball", set to become the iconic centerpiece of Chinese video-sharing platform Bilibili's "Riverside Dreamland".

Meanwhile, Fuxing Island hosts a blend of "Quantum City" visions and artistic creativity, merging old industrial charm with digital innovation.

Yangpu is evolving, with a century of industrial heritage colliding with cutting-edge digital advancements, crafting a clear path of transformation.

Yangpu's Transformation

Yangpu's story is defined by two major shifts. In the 20th century, it contributed a fifth of Shanghai's industrial output. The sounds of machinery and factories echoed through the city.

In the 21st century, especially during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), Yangpu has emerged as a digital powerhouse, contributing a fifth of Shanghai's software and information services revenue, totaling over 320 billion yuan ($45.83 billion).

Urban renewal efforts have improved living conditions for over 20,000 households, turning the Huangpu River's industrial "rust belt" into a vibrant urban area, paving the way for new industries.

The Power of Universities and Industries

Yangpu's transformation is fueled by its strong educational foundation. With universities like Fudan and Tongji, the district produces thousands of bright minds each year. The challenge is turning academic knowledge into market innovation.

The solution lies in collaboration. At Bay Valley Science and Technology Park, Sun Yuqi's team from Fudan University is commercializing advanced technologies. The proximity of campuses to industrial parks fosters ongoing partnerships, embodying Yangpu's innovative spirit. The government supports platforms, universities provide knowledge, and businesses drive growth.

Innovation Across the District

In March, an innovation zone construction plan was launched, outlining 23 key tasks to stimulate district-wide innovation. This plan ensures that innovation thrives throughout Yangpu, creating a vibrant ecosystem where creativity flourishes in every corner.

As a result, a unique "ecological rainforest" of innovation has emerged. Along the Yangpu Riverside, major projects by Meituan, Bilibili, and Douyin are under construction, set for completion in 2026. These projects, along with over 8,300 digital economy enterprises, contribute significantly to Yangpu's economy.

A Hub for Future Innovation

Yangpu's digital transformation is evident in everyday life. In the Hopson One commercial area, drone delivery has become a standard option, with the humming gadgets arriving in under 10 minutes. This innovation is part of Yangpu's pioneering efforts to set up urban drone routes in central Shanghai.

Meanwhile, Fuxing Island is transforming from an industrial area into a "Future Island" exploring digital intelligence, design art, and urban living. The "Shanghai Quantum City Time-Space Innovation Base" positions the area as a testing ground for future smart cities. In autumn, Fuxing Island became the main exhibition area for the Shanghai Urban Space Art Season, where industrial relics found new life through digital art.

On Chifeng Road, the "NICE2035" project aims to transform university-adjacent neighborhoods into open "living laboratories", integrating cutting-edge design into community life.

A Welcoming District for Innovators

Yangpu's transformation is ultimately about people. Why Yangpu? Beyond its advantages, Yangpu has created an inviting environment. In July 2025, China's first internet premium content creation hub, "V Gathering Space", opened, attracting renowned creators. With Bilibili and universities here, it's where young people converge.

Yangpu sees a supportive business environment as a must. The district offers an optimized reform plan related to this and bold institutional innovations. Yangpu's renewal involves not only an industrial evolution but also relies on integrating human creativity and aspirations with the city's historical and spatial resources. The answers are written in the riverside breeze, in the codes of young entrepreneurs, and in the city's ever-changing skyline.