'Youth Economy' Gets a Boost with Lab812 Youth Gravity Hub

New creative lab

The 812 Julu Road has been transformed into Lab812 Youth Gravity Hub, a playground for young creators.

Jointly launched by the Jing'an District Committee of the Communist Youth League of China and Jing'ansi Subdistrict, Lab812 serves as a flagship space for youth culture and innovation, driving the district's growing "youth economy."

The hub aims to foster creativity, collaboration and community through programs like the Young Editors Project, Neighborhood Memory Archive and Cultural Talks. Acting as a creative anchor, it will link shops and cultural venues, turning the Ju Fu Chang area into a model "Youth Economy Street" where retail, art and community meet.

New initiatives are also empowering young entrepreneurs. The Youth Recharge Station offers mentorship and resources for young entrepreneurs, while the "Ju Fu Chang Youth Economy Guidebook" highlights local youth-led cafés, craft studios and boutiques, serving as a "treasure map" for exploring the neighborhood.

PAC beer festival

PAC Mall recently transformed its 1,800-square-meter open-air plaza into a bustling European-style beer garden.

Over 20 top Belgian breweries showcased more than 100 classic beers, including renowned Trappist brews.

Visitors could indulge in Belgian fries, hearty beef stews and authentic Dutch waffles. Adding to the festive atmosphere, French singers took the stage on weekends.

PAC Mall has emerged as a new hub for culture and social experiences in Jing'an District.

'Home to Luxury'

Plaza 66 launched its "Home to Luxury" extravaganza this month, combining art, music and multi-brand collaboration to create an immersive shopping experience.

The event brought together high-end brands including Van Cleef & Arpels, PRADA and Bottega Veneta, showcasing hundreds of new releases and limited-edition items. By uniting multiple brands under one coordinated platform, Plaza 66 created a dynamic ecosystem of collaboration, shared resources, and mutual inspiration.

Beyond offering a unique consumer experience, the initiative reflects Plaza 66's innovative approach to retail and Jing'an's strategy to foster a synergistic "brand–mall–district" ecosystem. The campaign aims to accelerate high-end consumption recovery while enhancing the district's luxury retail profile.

Style and fashion

A high-octane celebration of style, experience and sustainability was held on the Yongyuan Road pedestrian street.

Porsche 911 Dakar, Maserati GranTurismo, Lamborghini Urus SE, Ferrari 296 GTB, Lotus Eletre and Emeya, and Aston Martin Vantage were on display, delighting car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The event coincided with Shanghai Fashion Week, creating a unique crossover where automotive design met fashion innovation.

Visitors experienced a fusion of luxury, with sleek cars and fashion trends, transforming Yongyuan Road into a hub of style and glamour.

'Chill in my Jing'an'

"Chill in My Jing'an," an initiative highlighting the urban transformation of Jing'an through the perspectives of overseas youth, recently took place.

Six Shanghai Theater Academy students from Malaysia, Russia, Greece, Ghana and Kazakhstan joined a 3.5-kilometer citywalk led by Qian Xiaoyan, author of "Lonely Planet Shanghai," tracing Jing'an from shikumen alleyways to the bustling Nanjing Road W.

Participants compared historic photos with modern streetscapes, sampled reimagined local treats and joined hands-on workshops. Morning calisthenics at Fudeli Park saw them in retro blue school tracksuits, while a culinary session turned mantou into "Chinese burgers" using ingredients from Wang Jia Sha, Kaisiling and Lifeng.

The route concluded at the Shanghai Printing Typeface Museum, where students created collages spelling out "Jing'an" ("静安") and shared their feelings.

Robot fun

To mark the Double Ninth Festival, an annual celebration honoring the elderly, 30 students from Shanghai Ling Nan Middle School visited Heyang Pengpu Nursing Home with a humanoid robot. The robot quickly became the star with lively dance moves and a playful voice, performing solo and inviting residents to join in, creating a warm, joyful atmosphere.

Students also sat alongside the elderly to learn how to make tangyuan (glutinous rice dumplings), sharing stories and engaging in conversation. The day fostered intergenerational connections and brought festive cheer to the nursing home.

Autumn at campus

As ginkgo leaves turn golden and the sweet scent of osmanthus fills the air, Jing'an's campuses are celebrating autumn in full bloom. Primary and secondary schools across the district have hosted seasonal activities, from outdoor art projects and sports games to harvest-themed workshops.