Huangpu Offers Incentives to Attract Top Professionals

Huangpu District has announced new measures aimed at enhancing its talent services and improving the business environment in line with the city government's recently unveiled "Business Environment Action Plan 9.0."

District officials presented the roadmap at the 2026 New Year Concert for professionals at Shanghai Grand Theater on Monday.

A service-oriented ecosystem is emphasized for global finance, technology, and digital content professionals.

The initiative has successfully attracted prominent figures, including renowned Chinese writer Ma Boyong, who has relocated his team to the Bund's "Fun Trend Creator" (FTC) zone.

Ma cited Huangpu's historical resources as a key asset for content creation.

Xiao Daye, a social media influencer specializing in intangible cultural heritage, has also made his home in Huangpu. His relocation took advantage of the city's recently introduced "Nine Measures" designed for online content creators.

To support these professionals, Huangpu opened the Bund International Talent Service Center, a 2,200-square-meter facility in the core Bund area.

The center handles customs clearance, work permits, social security, and business registration at one stop.

It also houses the new Enterprise Overseas Service Center. The unit assists Shanghai-based companies expanding globally. It provides legal, financial, and cross-border compliance support, creating a two-way channel for talent and commerce.

Huangpu has secured over 7,700 apartments to address housing needs in downtown.

Officials have launched a new digital platform for these properties. It is the first system of its kind in Shanghai to link district and municipal talent housing data. Applicants can view apartments, verify eligibility, and sign rental contracts online.

The district also unveiled specific financial incentives for leading scientists and entrepreneurs. The policy offers up to 20 million yuan (US$2.86 million) for major achievements and up to 10 million yuan for investment in key industrial projects.

Currently, over 180,000 professionals work in the district. Data shows that nearly 60 percent of them work in three core industries: financial services, professional services, and science and technology.

The measures support Shanghai's Business Environment 9.0 action plan, which calls for better public services for professionals and market entities.