As the Hongqiao International Opening-up Hub marks its fifth anniversary, Changning district has underscored its role as a core contributor to the hub's development, highlighting both tangible progress and future ambitions.

Over the past five years, Changning has evolved from building its "Premier Hongqiao" identity to advancing its position as the eastern engine of the Greater Hongqiao area and a key gateway linking Shanghai to global markets. The district hosts a concentration of landmark assets, including Terminal 1 of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and the Hongqiao Economic & Technological Development Zone, forming a strong foundation for integrated development within the Hongqiao International Central Business District.

Sustained economic growth

Changning's economic indicators have remained robust within Shanghai. Over the past five years, the district recorded an average annual GDP growth rate of 7 percent, the highest in the city. Per capita GDP and output per unit of land both rank among the top citywide, while general public budget revenue grew at an average annual rate of 8.8 percent. Accounting for 5.1 percent of Shanghai's GDP, Changning has contributed 7.3 percent of the city's GDP increase over the period.

East Hongqiao, a core sub-zone of the Hongqiao Intl CBD, has been a major contributor. Its tax revenue rose from 11.1 billion yuan in 2020 to 22.5 billion yuan in 2025, maintaining the largest share among the four sub-zones for five consecutive years. Despite covering less than one-seventh of the CBD's total area, East Hongqiao generated more than two-fifths of its total tax revenue.

Advancing openness and global connectivity

Changning has also strengthened its role as an open gateway under the Hongqiao International Opening-up Hub framework, with a focus on internationalization, digitalization, and high-quality urban development.

To support Chinese companies expanding overseas, the district has developed a service system integrating 10 government services and 10 professional services, forming a "15-minute service circle" for outbound business. More than 60 specialized service providers have clustered in the area, serving over 3,700 enterprises pursuing overseas expansion.

At the same time, Changning continues to attract global investment. The district is home to 94 regional headquarters of multinational corporations and a total of 154 headquarters and R&D centers. It also hosts over 6,000 foreign-invested enterprises.

Efforts to strengthen the key factors supporting openness have also progressed. Changning has promoted the development of a mergers and acquisitions cluster within Hongqiao, established Shanghai's first district-level cross-border data service station, and introduced pilot measures to facilitate cross-regional mobility for foreign talent. An innovation platform has also been launched to support entrepreneurship.

Looking forward, Changning will further consolidate its function as the "East Engine" of the Hongqiao Intl CBD and reinforce its role as Shanghai's western gateway, with a focus on enhancing connectivity across the Yangtze River Delta and global markets.

Source: WeChat account of Changning district information office of "shchangning"