Shanghai's Hongkou district became the epicenter of global esports as it hosted the 2025 EA Sports FC Pro Champions Cup and FC Pro Mobile Festival from Sept 9 to 14. The event drew elite players from 20 countries and regions, including China, the United States, and Brazil.

Ahead of the competition, the international players embarked on a cultural journey through Hongkou, immersing themselves in the district's rich historical and modern vibrancy.

Their first stop was the China Securities Museum, located in the former Astor House Hotel. Here, they explored the neoclassical-style hall and an exhibition on modern Chinese securities, gaining insights into the country's financial history.

The journey continued along the scenic Suzhou Creek to the Shanghai Postal Museum, housed in a 1924 building. Multimedia exhibits vividly traced the evolution of postal communication, offering an engaging window into Shanghai's past.

A visit to Zhapu Road provided a nostalgic glimpse into the 1920s. At the century-old Victory Cinema, players experienced the city's cultural heritage preserved in both space and film. Nearby, the Old Shanghai restaurant served its signature crispy pork chops with soft rice cakes, offering participants a taste of authentic local cuisine.

The cultural tour concluded at The Inlet, a vibrant commercial complex where traditional Shanghai style blends with modern fashion.

This cultural experience not only enriched the esports event with a humanistic dimension but also fostered a deeper appreciation among international participants for Shanghai's distinctive character.

Source: Hongkou district government