Five legendary figures of the snooker world — Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor, Ken Doherty, and Jimmy White — visited North Bund in Shanghai's Hongkou district on July 4.

The players were in Shanghai to participate in a legends snooker masters tournament at the Bellagio Shanghai in Hongkou on July 5 and 6. Their arrival coincided with the 36th Shanghai Tourism Festival, so they embraced roles as cultural and tourism experience ambassadors, delving into the unique offerings of this historic zone.

Their cultural expedition began at Zhapu Jinli on Zhapu Road, a film-themed leisure and food street. Steeped in history, the street offered them a walk through a living corridor of time, where the essence of Shanghai's distinctive charm, cinematic ambiance, and nostalgic flavors of old Shanghai came alive.

Davis, intrigued by the collection of vintage music equipment, opened up about his passion for making music, expressing joy at the preservation of these historical items. Meanwhile, Taylor embraced the spirit of old Shanghai by donning a traditional long gown and top hat, striking a classic kung fu pose.

The journey continued at the China Securities Museum, housed in the historic Astor House Hotel at No 15 Huangpu Road. Established in 1846, this iconic site was the first foreign-run hotel in China's history and gave rise to many milestones in the country's modernization process. Here, the visitors were guided through exhibits, gaining insights into the rich legacy of China's financial culture.

Reflecting on the visit, Davis noted that they have been visiting China frequently since 1986 and expressed how great it was to be back. He was delighted to see so many historical buildings, emphasizing how rare it is to witness such preservation over time.

The visit not only celebrated the sport of snooker but also underscored the deep cultural connections and shared histories that continue to bring the world closer together.

Source: Official WeChat account of the publicity department of the CPC Hongkou district committee at "shhongkou"