This year marks the 5th anniversary of the concept of people's city. As the place where it was first proposed, Yangpu is thriving with a flourishing digital economy and a dynamic, youthful spirit. Let's immerse ourselves in this city that is becoming increasingly "YOUNG" for the people...

On August 1, 2024, at the invitation of the Publicity Department of the CPC Yangpu District Committee and the Information Office of the Yangpu District People's Government, the People's Daily Shanghai Office, the CCTV People's City Concept documentary director team and the director of CCTV-2's Industrial Heritage Project, along with commissions, offices and bureaus such as the Yangpu Culture and Tourism Administration, the Yangpu Women's Federation, the Yangpu Disabled Persons' Federation, the Yangpu Public Complaints and Proposals Office, and Shanghai Yangpu Binjiang Investment and Development Group, engaged in a face-to-face discussion on the brilliant transformation of Yangpu Riverside over the five years since the introduction of the people's city concept.

The discussion focused on the construction of Shanghai Yangpu Life Belt National Cultural Heritage Protection and Utilization Demonstration Zone, Yangpu Riverside Child-Friendly Public Space Demonstration Zone and Yangpu Riverside Space Accessibility Innovation Demonstration Zone, the collection of public suggestions in Yangpu, as well as the overall development of public spaces in Yangpu Riverside, exploring the foundation of this magnificent riverside panorama.

Diversity and integration marks the transformation of the riverside space

"The riverside space not only draws people but also 'bees and butterflies'." This playful remark by the presenter reflects a tangible reality. From the Qinhuangdao Road ferry station to the ash storage facility of Yangshupu Power Plant, industrial heritage, cultural leisure spaces and ecological restoration areas are interwoven and coexist harmoniously, vividly presenting the diverse and integrated space of Yangpu Riverside. The former Minghua Sugar Refinery's metasequoia forest has been replanted with nectar-producing plants to create a butterfly garden, serving as a natural education and science experience base for children.

"Green Hill", an internet-famous building, combines infrastructure, public services and park green spaces, attracting flocks of young people to visit...In Yangpu Riverside, mornings are ideal for physical exercise and evenings are perfect for relaxation. The area is imbued with the chirping of birds and the fragrance of blossoms, alive with the dance of bees and the flutter of butterflies. The architecture here speaks volumes of its history, and around every turn, there is a delightful surprise waiting to be discovered.

Organic renewal revitalizes industrial heritage

The rich connotation of Yangpu Riverside stems from its vast industrial heritage. The southern section of Riverside retains 66 industrial heritage buildings covering over 260,000 square meters. Recognized by UNESCO as "the world's largest riverside industrial exposition belt in existence", these old structures have been infused with new life. Strolling in Yangpu Riverside, one can gaze upon history at the entrance of the vast power station's auxiliary machine plant, savor coffee amidst the aroma of books in the café built on a water purification pool, or take in the panoramic riverside view from the "Hanging Gardens of Babylon".

These well-preserved industrial textures, harmoniously integrated with the natural ecology, serve as a vivid, three-dimensional textbook of China's industrial advancements over the past century. Under the principle of "reproducing the look, reshaping the function and reassigning the value", Yangpu has been promoting the integration of industrial heritage conservation with urban image enhancement, aiming to create a waterfront public space with the profundity of history and the temperature of the city, keep the history in the mind of the people and retain their nostalgia.

A child-friendly dreamland at children's eye level

A city that is child-friendly is friendly to all. The level of civilization of a city is reflected in its attitude towards children. The riverside child-friendly spaces in Yangpu are designed with the concept that children are the "masters" of these spaces.

The Yangpu Women's Federation introduced numerous child-friendly activities in Yangpu Riverside. Whether it is the "Little Planner" project or the "Children's Hearts Light Up the Beauty of Riverside" initiative, they all stimulate children's imagination and curiosity, transforming the area into a vibrant playground for a joyful childhood.

Love without barriers, access for all ages

Systems come first in comprehensive planning. As Shanghai's first guidelines on accessible public spaces, the

Yangpu Riverside Public Space Accessibility Guidelines released by Yangpu takes into account the practical needs of individuals with hearing impairments, visual impairments and physical disabilities, and other special groups. It extensively collects public opinions and suggestions, ensuring that the voices of the people are integrated throughout the "entire process".

From 474 signs, which include Braille annotations and indicators for accessible ramps, to 60 guide transmitters offering multiform assistance such as audio and sign language interpretation for various groups, every detail is crafted to enhance the experiences of people with disabilities and other special groups in Yangpu Riverside. The attention to every millimeter, from the height of water dispensers to the dimensions of restrooms, is dedicated to improving the comfort and accessibility for all. Currently, the 5.5-kilometer southern section of Riverside has achieved full barrier-free access to facilities, ensuring "unobstructed passage, unobstructed information and unobstructed services" for everyone.

People orientation: turning "golden ideas" into "golden fruits"

Interested in the history of Yangpu's protected historical buildings? Simply scan the QR code on the building with your smartphone to learn about their past and present, or even take a VR panoramic tour of Yangpu Riverside. Some people say, "The drinking fountain is too high for children to use easily", "It's difficult for wheelchair users to access some areas of Riverside". For these reasons, there are low-altitude improvements in water fountains and the construction of accessible ramps. The meticulous details of a green space, the thoughtful design of a corner, or the careful planning of an area—many of the convenient designs and considerate services found in Yangpu today stem from "public suggestions". Residents can scan a code in Yangpu Riverside to contribute their own golden ideas.