In the heart of the city, a rare wetland, a true urban green lung, has emerged as a thrilling "racing stage" for water sports. Meanwhile, Daxue Road, acclaimed as a municipal tourism and leisure block, has become a vibrant showcase for weekend strolling and dining, brimming with youthful energy.

Recently, the "Discover Fun in Yangpu" - Fun-filled Adventure unfolded as promised. Yangpu Culture and Tourism invited 19 friends from China and abroad on a springtime "energetic exercise" adventure. They immersed themselves in Chinese culture, savored its traditional allure, and strolled through Yangpu, discovering the essence of Shanghai along the way.

This event was directed by the Yangpu Culture and Tourism Administration (Yangpu Cultural Heritage Administration). It was hosted by the Yangpu Culture and Tourism Affairs Administrative Center (Cultural Relics Affairs Administrative Center) and co-hosted by the Yangpu High-Level Talent Development Service Center (Academicians Hall Shanghai), the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, KIC, and New Jiangwan City Culture and Sports Park. Together, they unveiled the ultimate Yangpu culture and tourism experience!

Join us on a wave-breaking spring adventure

Water-land fusion for unbounded warmth: The journey begins at New Jiangwan City Culture and Sports Park. This "hidden gem right at your doorstep" was revitalized in 2024, breaking down walls to create a seamless, open space. It now welcomes everyone with an open and shared spirit, inviting citizens and visitors to "discover the city within the park".

The kayaking adventure began at the water sports center of New Jiangwan City Culture and Sports Park operated by Yangpu Investment Holdings Group. Spanning 170,000 square meters, this expansive water area is a new ecological tourism and leisure landmark that is rare in Shanghai. With "water" as the guiding theme, the center weaves together parkland, sports facilities, and cultural venues, providing a perfect setting for participants to immerse themselves in nature.

With professional coaches at the helm, the participants eagerly took to their kayaks and embarked on the journey. "Ready? Let's go!" they called out. As they paddled along the 4.2-kilometer course, this "green ribbon" winding through the city center became their playground. Surrounded by lush greenery, they soaked in the sounds of spring - birds singing, flowers blooming - each stroke of the paddle bringing them closer to nature. The abundant water resources and picturesque surroundings of New Jiangwan City made this adventure an unforgettable experience.

"So much fun!" Ahmed, a student from Turkmenistan, could not help but marvel. "It's even more thrilling and enjoyable than I thought, and the park's natural beauty is stunning!" This kayaking journey transformed the city's noise into the soothing sounds of paddles and water. It was more than just a water sport experience - it was a way to embrace a healthy and joyful lifestyle by connecting with nature. And in doing so, participants also got to explore the unique ecological allure and vibrant cultural vibe of New Jiangwan City.

Try your hand at making Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) - fun to wrap

The second stop was Su Xiaoliu Dim Sum. Xiaolongbao is a must-try for anyone visiting Shanghai. Thin-skinned, tender, juicy, and flavorful, each bite is a work of art. Su Xiaoliu Dim Sum, located on Daxue Road, offers a hands-on experience where you can learn the key steps: rolling out wrappers, filling with stuffing, and pinching pleats. It is a fun-filled "Ode to Joy" of Xiaolongbao.

Rolling out wrappers looks easy, but it takes patience. With tips from Su Xiaoliu's expert craftsmen, everyone learned to use a rolling pin to gently roll the dough from the center outwards, rotating it to keep the thickness even.

When it came to pleating, it seemed to have a mind of its own. The master craftsman stepped in to offer his expertise: he showed everyone how to grasp the dough wrapper between their thumb and index finger, then gently lift it upward to effortlessly form a beautiful pleat. "Making soup dumplings for the first time is quite a challenge," said Li Yichun, a student from Niger. "Getting the pleats to look as perfect as the ones we usually enjoy is no easy task, but the whole experience is incredibly enjoyable!"

The neatly pleated soup dumplings were carefully arranged in the bamboo steamers, ready to be steamed. While their shapes might not have been flawless, every single pleat was as distinctive as a fingerprint, making each dumpling one of a kind. The warmth from the hands that crafted the soup dumplings seeped through the dough wrappers, carrying with it the enthusiasm and expectation of every participant. It also symbolizes the cultural connections that bridge people from all over the world.

Daxue Road citywalk: Where trend meets art

As a key part of Wujiaochang, one of China's first national agglomeration areas for nighttime culture and tourism consumption, Daxue Road is a designated tourism and leisure block in Shanghai. It links the nearby university campuses, residential areas, and science parks, offering a diverse mix of leisure tourism and life services. In this dynamic space, the rich heritage of the past blends seamlessly with the vibrant energy of the present.

Take a citywalk down Daxue Road and let a "local guide" lead you to three distinctive stores. ENCOMPASS, a trendy store with a container-like appearance, specializes in re-design. Its eye-catching collection of recreated fashion pieces showcases a truly unique style. Enjoy Your Musicbox is a treasure trove of music boxes from around the globe. From fairy tales to anime and children's cartoons, each music box is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with its own distinctive allure. COMIPLUS has partnered with numerous renowned IP copyright holders, offering a vast selection of cultural and creative merchandise, such as badges, standees, and pendants. These items cater perfectly to the younger generation's passion for national trend culture.

When kayak paddles danced upon the waves, when dough artfully folded beneath nimble fingers, and when the harmonious symphony of ACGN merchandise and music box tunes filled the street corners, Yangpu's cultural and tourism scene was redefining limits. It wove cultural essence into the fabric of inbound tourism and set the city ablaze with the fire of sports. This spring, a burst of pure joy coursed through the city's green spaces, narrow lanes, and culinary delights, leaving an unforgettable mark!