From industrial hub to digital powerhouse

The Yangpu district in Shanghai has long been known for its strong industrial foundations. Over the past two decades, it's undergone a remarkable transformation from "Industrial Yangpu" to "Digital Yangpu".

Today, innovation-driven industries, led by the digital economy, are thriving and have become a key pillar of the district's economy.

Thriving digital economy

Yangpu is now home to over 8,000 digital economy businesses, including leading firms Douyin, Meituan and Bilibili.

These companies contribute more than 40 percent of the district's tax revenue and account for over 60 percent of its total business revenue.

Moreover, the software and information services sector has maintained double-digit growth for five consecutive years.

In the first 11 months of 2024, the sector generated 290.78 billion yuan ($39.66 billion) in revenue, marking a 13.6 percent year-on-year increase — three percentage points higher than the citywide average.

The district now accounts for nearly one-fifth of Shanghai's total software and information services sector, with full-year revenue for 2024 expected to exceed 300 billion yuan.

Innovation at the core

Yangpu benefits from a rich academic and research ecosystem, anchored by top-tier universities such as Fudan University and Tongji University, along with over 100 research institutions.

Leveraging these resources, the district has built a modern industrial system centered on the digital economy. Indeed, its four emerging pillars are artificial intelligence, life sciences and healthcare, green and low-carbon industries and technology services.

Suffice it to say that innovation is flourishing in Yangpu. The Shanghai Technology Exchange, based in the Bay Valley Science and Technology Park, has recorded cumulative transactions exceeding 39.5 billion yuan since its launch in 2020.

That includes over 7 billion yuan in intellectual property pledge financing — and its trading network now spans the globe.

Attracting global investment

As a result of all this, Yangpu has emerged as a key destination for foreign funds. The district currently hosts around 1,300 foreign-invested enterprises, with 18 new foreign headquarters and R&D centers established over the past five years.

Global industry titans such as Nike, Siemens, Continental and Henkel have all chosen Yangpu as a base for their operations.

Nike's Greater China headquarters, which relocated to Yangpu in 2014, has received continuous support from the local government.

During the 2023 China International Import Expo, Nike signed a memorandum of cooperation with the district government to advance the development of the Nike Sports Research Lab, upgrade its employee store and enhance collaboration with major e-commerce platforms like Douyin.

Yangpu has also attracted international organizations such as the San Franciso Bay Area Council, Venture Cup China and Brazil House.

In 2024, the district welcomed over 110 new foreign-invested projects, with foreign direct investment reaching $477 million.

Starting in February 2025, foreign enterprises establishing R&D centers or headquarters in Yangpu — or investing at least $5 million — will be eligible for financial incentives ranging from 300,000 to 3 million yuan, subject to certification.

Globalized living environment

To create a welcoming environment for expats, Yangpu has been enhancing its international living and services infrastructure.

The district is now home to several prestigious international schools, including the Shanghai French School, the Sino-German College of Tongji University (CDHK) and the German School Shanghai (DSS).

These institutions provide high-quality education for expat families, while also supporting talent retention and industry collaboration in the district.

Sources: Yangpu District People's Government, Yangpu District Development and Reform Commission, Jiefang Daily