Video provided by Jing'an district government

For nearly two decades, Christian Devillers, the managing director of Fotografiska China, has called Shanghai home.

The photography museum, located along Suzhou Creek in Shanghai's Jing'an district, has been open for 18 months and has quickly become part of the district's cultural fabric.

From a distant observer to a fully integrated resident, Devillers' personal journey mirrors Shanghai's own meteoric rise, a transformation he has witnessed up close and drawn deep inspiration from.

What ultimately rooted him in Jing'an, he says, was the district's rare blend of heritage and modernity, a character embodied by Suzhou Creek itself.

"When I discovered this warehouse along Suzhou Creek, I immediately knew…" Devillers recalls, describing the moment he found the future home of Fotografiska Shanghai.

To him, Jing'an offers something unique: the quiet charm of riverside walks, and the vibrant pace of everyday neighborhood life. This fusion of art and living, he says, made the decision unequivocal.

Today, under his leadership, Fotografiska Shanghai has become a cultural landmark on the creek, drawing art lovers from across the city and beyond.

Yet Devillers' ambitions reach further than managing the museum. He is also a passionate advocate for connecting and integrating the cultural resources along Suzhou Creek.

The Jing'an section of the river is home to more than 170 cultural and tourism attractions, including the Sihang Warehouse and Tianhou Temple.

"I think Jing'an was probably the best place in the world because so many things were happening," Devillers said. The district's blend of historical depth and contemporary dynamism, he added, convinced him it was the ideal place to pursue his artistic vision.

Source: Jing'an district government