Tianping Subdistrict Launches Shanghai's First All-Area Pet-Friendly Zone

Pet owners in Shanghai have a new place to enjoy time with their furry friends, after the Tianping Subdistrict in Xuhui District set up the first pet-friendly block covering the entire area.

The launch event was held at the tree-lined Hengshan Road No. 8. A pet-themed market attracted many pet owners and their "furry babies." The subdistrict also unveiled a "Pet-Friendly Alliance" with joint efforts from local government departments, businesses and industry associations.

This subdistrict has long been friendly to pets. There are over 150 cafes in the area, and 80 percent of them welcome pets. Yongkang Road is a popular spot for pet owners. Most restaurants and cafes offer pet-friendly services, like places to tie dog leashes, disposable water cups for pets, and garbage bags. Pet owners especially love Nuan Genial, a Taiwan-style restaurant, as many diners enjoy meeting cats and dogs there.

Tu Yuhui, the deputy director of the business environment office of the subdistrict, said the decision to build a pet-friendly district covering the entire area was rooted in the subdistrict's strong advantages and abundant resources for pet-friendly development.

"People have spontaneously developed a strong interest in walking their pets – strolling dogs around the neighborhood and even enjoying coffee with them. This kind of lifestyle was formed naturally, and most shops in the area have put up signs indicating that pets are welcome or that they are pet-friendly," he said.

"Many people work for foreign-funded companies, including white-collar professionals, and there is also a large expat population. As a result, the overall number of pet owners in the area is relatively high," he added.

Some parks and office areas, such as Hengshan Road No. 8 and Yongpingli, allow office workers to bring their pets to work, creating a harmonious atmosphere between people and pets.

The subdistrict has designed a "pet-friendly check-in route" connecting pet-friendly shops and parks. People can take their pets to special stores and take photos with "Fuxing Cat," a popular IP in the area. There are also activities like stray cat adoption held in the market.

The subdistrict plans to bring more domestic pet brands and develop "pet+" business models. It aims to build a special block that combines pet-friendly commerce, cultural experiences and public services, adding new energy to local consumption.