Jing'an brings Shanghai's 'Most International District' to San Francisco

Detailed summary

Describing Jing'an as a district that combines the heritage of old Shanghai with the energy of a global business hub, Zhai said its per capita GDP has reached $53,000 to $55,000…

By CHANG JUN in San Francisco | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-11-13 12:06

Shanghai's Jing'an district presented its business environment, cultural appeal and fast-growing technology industries to California investors and companies at a promotional event on Wednesday, seeking new partners in the United States.

Zhai Lei, deputy secretary of the CPC Jing'an District Committee and district mayor, highlighted the district's strengths in efficiency, service and vision.

"Home to more than 300 American companies, Jing'an is a dedicated partner to our US stakeholders," he told an audience of about 100.

Describing Jing'an as a district that combines the heritage of old Shanghai with the energy of a global business hub, Zhai said its per capita GDP has reached $53,000 to $55,000 in recent years.

Jing'an takes its name from Jing'an Temple, a Buddhist landmark that is centuries old. The modern district was formed in 2015, when the former Zhabei district merged with Jing'an. Covering about 37 square kilometers in the heart of Shanghai, it is home to roughly 931,000 residents and has been named a "National Civilized District" six times in a row.

The district is best known for its commercial strength. West Nanjing Road, often called Shanghai's "Fifth Avenue", draws global retailers looking to make their mark in China. Starbucks opened its first Reserve Roastery outside Seattle at 789 West Nanjing Road in December 2017. The 2,700-square-meter store was the company's largest in the world at the time. When it opened, crowds were so large that district commerce officials volunteered to help keep order, a story Jing'an still cites as an example of its hands-on service.

Luxury houses have followed. Louis Vuitton opened its first and largest Maison on the Chinese mainland in the district, and the HKRI Taikoo Hui complex, home to about 250 brands, has become a favored launchpad for China debuts.

Zhai said efficiency is central to Jing'an's appeal.

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