October has proved yet another culturally rich month in Shanghai's Hongqiao Central Business District (CBD). The area has held a panoply of vibrant events that reflect the region's aspiration to stand as a place intersecting business, culture and tourism. 

The project was originally launched on May 1 under the title "The business, tourism and culture demonstration event". With a series of promotional activities planned through November, Hongqiao CBD aims to create a platform to keep the general public informed and celebrate its many achievements.

Key developments are spread across a range of fields including cutting carbon emissions, smart technology developments, transportation advancements, trading promotions and cultural developments. 

Musicians serenade the crowd at one of Hongqiao's popular music concerts. [Photo/Hongqiao WeChat]

Hongqiao CBD spent the National Day holiday in style and invited a host of talented musicians to perform at Hongqiao Tiandi, a magnificent shopping and entertainment complex. The event saw musicians from China, Canada, Spain, and the United States grace the stage with a range of musical styles and genres. Highlights included performances from Alash, a throat singing trio from Tuva, Mirian Mendez, a virtuoso classical pianist from Spain, Aysenur Kolivar, a globetrotting Turkish folk musician, and HONA, an ensemble fusing traditional Korean music with contemporary tones.

A sample of some of the delicious fare available at the Savour Food Festival. [Photo/Hongqiao WeChat]

On the culinary side of things, Hongqiao CBD held a series of events capable of satisfying the most discerning of foodies. Savour Food Festival acted as the entrée with five chefs from Michelin starred restaurant specially flown into Shanghai for the event.

The chefs collaborated with celebrated local restaurants and had long lines running down the street with visitors eager to sample the smorgasmorg of delicacies. Highlights included melt-in-your-mouth tiramisu, a 45-day aged Rib eye steak, and a delicate lemon mousse tart.    

The month was also enjoyed by beer aficionados with local German restaurant Hacker-Pschorr Brauhaus pulling out all the stops to bring the warmth of a Bavarian Oktoberfest to Shanghai. The restaurant held a four-day beer festival and imported brewing equipment, raw materials and even a handful of master brewers from Germany to ensure the event was the height of authenticity.