Located in the heart of Shanghai, Jing'an district is a core part of the city's central urban area and a major hub for international business, high-end services, and consumer activity. Highly internationalized and with a well-developed service economy, Jing'an has long played an important role in Shanghai's economic and social development.

In 2024, the district's GDP per capita was 50 percent higher than in 2020. From 2021 to 2024, contracted foreign investment totaled $4.83 billion. Jing'an ranked first among Shanghai's central urban areas in total retail sales of consumer goods and led the city in the number of first stores introduced. Jing'an is home to one-third of Shanghai's high-caliber professional service providers. By the end of 2025, the district had cumulatively attracted 148 regional headquarters of multinational companies, 26 private-enterprise headquarters, 18 trade-oriented headquarters, and three innovative-enterprise headquarters.

Integrated modern industrial system

Jing'an is developing a distinctive modern industrial system structured around "(3+3)+(1+3+X)", combining three advantageous industries, three emerging industries, the integration of commerce, culture, creativity, and technology, and three specialized industrial sectors plus future-oriented industries.

Its three advantageous industries are fashion consumption, financial services, and professional services. Building on its strengths as an international business and consumption hub, the district aims to attract global brands, financial institutions, and professional service providers while enhancing its role in high-end business services.

Its three emerging industries are data intelligence, cultural creativity, and life science and healthcare. Jing'an is promoting the development of these sectors while encouraging closer collaboration among commerce, culture, creativity, and technology.

The district is also advancing three specialized industrial sectors: blockchain, ultra-high-definition audiovisual technology, and beauty and health. At the same time, it is exploring future-oriented industries and expanding artificial intelligence applications across industries to foster new quality productive forces.

Development priorities

During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), Jing'an aims to strengthen its position as an international business district and a leading urban area for high-quality development. The district aims to become:

• A leading hub for two-way opening-up, attracting global investment and supporting companies expanding overseas.
• A benchmark for high-quality development, fostering competitive industrial clusters and enhancing the quality of economic growth.
• A model of integration and innovation, promoting collaboration across commerce, culture, creativity, technology, and emerging industries.
• A demonstration area of people-centered urban development, improving urban functions, public services, and the overall urban environment.

The district will also strengthen its role as a key contributor to Shanghai's development as an international economic, financial, trade, shipping, and sci-tech innovation center. Priorities include upgrading foreign-invested headquarters, improving services for global businesses, and building a more internationally competitive business environment.

Key investment areas

Jing'an is advancing a spatial development framework of "Two Axes, One Belt and Three Areas" to support coordinated development across the district, particularly in the West Nanjing Road-Suhewan, Daning, and Shibei areas. Key investment platforms include the Jing'an International Science and Technology Innovation Community, Blockchain Valley, the Beauty Nova Tech Hub, the Shanghai Ultra-High-Definition Audiovisual Industrial Cluster, and Zhangyuan.

Jing'an International Science and Technology Innovation Community

The community supports the development of technology-driven industries and cross-sector innovation, focusing on next-generation displays, smart terminals, and XR technology while fostering collaboration between research and industry.

Blockchain Valley

Blockchain Valley focuses on developing the blockchain industry, supporting the growth of emerging technologies and their application across business sectors. It is part of Jing'an's efforts to expand its digital economy and develop specialized technology clusters.

Shanghai Ultra-High-Definition Audiovisual Industrial Cluster

Jing'an is promoting the development of ultra-high-definition audiovisual technology as a specialized industry sector. The cluster supports the integration of digital technologies with content creation and cultural industries, creating opportunities in audiovisual production, digital media, and related services.

Beauty Nova Tech Hub

The Beauty Nova Tech Hub supports the development of the beauty and health sector by combining consumer-oriented industries with technological innovation. It reflects Jing'an's broader strategy to strengthen fashion consumption and to develop new growth areas at the intersection of beauty, health, and technology.

Zhangyuan

Zhangyuan is a distinctive commercial and cultural destination in Jing'an. As part of the district's efforts to strengthen its international fashion and consumption profile, the area offers a setting that integrates heritage, contemporary culture, brand experiences, and high-quality consumer activities.

Through its international business environment, established service industries, emerging technology clusters, and globally oriented consumption ecosystem, Jing'an is strengthening its appeal to international investors and businesses seeking opportunities in Shanghai.

Updated in October 2026

Sources: 2026 Shanghai Foreign Investment Guide, Jing'an district government