Wujiaochang, a bustling commercial area located in the Yangpu district of Shanghai, is quickly becoming the heart of youth culture. Known for its great atmosphere and strong ties to the ACGN — anime, comics, games and novels — subculture, it's long been a popular spot for the young crowd.

Recently, two exciting new destinations have emerged for fans of all things creative and quirky: The Bailian ZX Creative Centre and the Superbird Pet Palace.

The Bailian ZX Creative Centre, which opened on Dec 28 last year, has quickly gained recognition as a cultural landmark in Yangpu. The center blends ACGN-themed retail, themed dining, bookstores, social spaces and gaming experiences to cater to the interests of young consumers.

But it's not just about shopping; it's about finding like-minded individuals who immerse themselves in socially driven, shared experiences. In fact, Bailian ZX has already become a go-to hangout for ACGN fans.

One of the key drivers behind Bailian ZX's success is the rise of the "Guzi economy", a term that describes the growing consumer demand for ACGN-related merchandise.

Guzi — a transliteration of goods — refers to the wide range of products tied to anime, games and other intellectual property.

At Bailian ZX, visitors can shop at stores like Gugugugu for everything from posters and keychains to life-sized figures, surrounding themselves with their favorite characters.

After indulging in some Guzi shopping, visitors can head over to the nearby Superbird Pet Palace, the biggest pet store in China, covering over 8,000 square meters.

The palace is home to more than 1,000 budgerigars and a wide variety of cute animals — including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, meerkats, as well as exotic pets like snakes and lizards.

What sets Superbird Pet Palace apart is its unique emotional connection with visitors. The store employs over 30 "pet employees" — including cats and dogs — that interact with customers in a fun, relaxed environment.

All the pet employees are professionally trained to be friendly, stable and full of personality, ensuring that animal lovers have an unforgettable experience.

Bailian ZX Creative Centre

Address: No 2,500 Siping Road

Superbird Pet Palace

Address: F01-02, No 8 Songhu Road

Source: "shanghai-yangpu" WeChat account