Lifestyle market brings Nordic charm to Shanghai

Daxue Road in Shanghai's Yangpu district transformed into a lively Nordic-inspired space on Sept 20 and 21 with the arrival of a Norwegian lifestyle market.

Organized by the Norwegian Business Association China and Innovation Norway, with support from the Norwegian Consulate General in Shanghai, the event blended Nordic culture, advanced technology, and community engagement, drawing large crowds of residents and students.

Tobias F. Svenningsen, Norwegian consul general in Shanghai, described the market as an important channel for cultural exchange. He noted parallels between Shanghai, a city that combines history with innovation, and Norway, which values tradition and modernity.

"Norway is excited to bring a taste of its nature and sustainability to Shanghai," Svenningsen said. "Both Norway and China share a strong embrace of digital technology and green solutions, making the market a natural bridge between the two cultures."

More than 20 Norwegian brands presented a wide range of products, from fresh salmon and nutritional supplements to home goods.

Visitors sampled Atlantic salmon prepared by Nordic Aqua, a Norwegian-founded land-based salmon farm in Zhejiang province.

Andreas Thorud, the company's managing director, said he was eager to showcase Norwegian products to Chinese consumers, particularly in Shanghai.

Beyond product displays, interactive elements proved popular. A life-sized polar bear mascot and dedicated photo areas delighted families, adding to the market's playful spirit.

Svenningsen emphasized that the event was designed to be attractive to people of all ages, reinforcing Norway's image as a place of natural beauty and warm hospitality.

Lu Hui, assistant general manager of KIC, a co-host of the event, highlighted Daxue Road's role as a hub of cultural and international exchange.

"This street is a melting pot of ideas and cultures as people are very open-minded," she said. "We hope this kind of event can facilitate exchanges between Norway and China."