North Bund is rapidly emerging as a magnet for international talent, driven by Hongkou district's ongoing efforts to build a dynamic, inclusive and supportive environment for professionals from around the world.

At the North Bund Fortune and Culture Forum 2025, two-time Oscar-winning director Malcolm Clarke highlighted the critical role of cultural soft power in his keynote speech.

In 2024, Clarke established a master studio in North Bund and received a permanent residence ID card in China.

"Hongkou is generous, welcoming, and driven by a strong sense of teamwork," Clarke said. "People here are eager to showcase not just Hongkou, but all of Shanghai to the world. That's one of the reasons I chose to settle here."

Clarke's story reflects a broader trend — Hongkou is not only attracting global talent but also helping them settle, grow, and succeed.

To further this mission, the district has rolled out a series of support policies, including the Three-Year Action Plan for Attracting Top International Talent (2024–2026). These initiatives provide targeted support in employment, entrepreneurship, housing, and daily services, making it easier for professionals to plant roots and thrive in the city.

Lowering the barriers to growth

The North Bund Talent Salon, which opened in April 2023, offers integrated, one-stop services for both domestic and international professionals. Through on-site processing, digital platforms and door-to-door assistance, the salon streamlines administrative procedures and improves the overall experience. Long queues and repeated trips with piles of documents have become a thing of the past.

Hongkou introduced four startup parks for overseas returnees in November 2023. That number has since expanded to 10, cultivating a welcoming environment for entrepreneurs.

Creating homes for long-term living

To attract and retain talent, Hongkou also prioritizes housing. In 2021, it became the first district in Shanghai to introduce special rental policies for overseas returnees, allowing applicants to live in talent apartments even if they had not yet secured jobs in the district. The first phase provided 100 units, and over 330 applications were received through both online and offline channels.

Since then, the policy has been progressively upgraded. In February this year, additional benefits were introduced for overseas and domestic interns as well as recognized high-level talent, supporting the city's efforts to bring in more young professionals, especially in the fields of science and technology.

In April, Hongkou launched two talent apartment projects — Ascott and Adoor — offering high-quality accommodation tailored to executives and international professionals.

Currently, six talent stations are operating across Hongkou, helping newcomers settle in with ease.

Building platforms to help talent shine

Since gaining approval in 2022, the Hongkou postdoctoral innovation practice base has become a hub for talent activities — from the Hongkou division of the Shanghai Postdoctoral Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition to project roadshows and evaluation events. These platforms provide young researchers with opportunities to showcase their work and connect with the market.

Also in 2022, the North Bund Talent Work Alliance was established, bringing together government departments, major companies, universities and HR service providers. The alliance has launched a wide range of events — including campus visits, exclusive job fairs, matchmaking meetings, and student tours in Hongkou — strengthening connections between talent and enterprises.

Source: Shanghai Hongkou Media Center