Minhang Attracts Athletes and Entrepreneurs

Minhang has hosted significant groups of international visitors, athletes, and entrepreneurs, as cross-border trade grows.

Swiss tech delegation checks out innovation ecosystem

The Shanghai leg of the Swiss-Sino Innovation Center InnoTrip China was held at the Grand neoBay Science and Technology Innovation Hall in late September.

As a key exchange event marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Switzerland, the session brought together 20 Swiss high-tech enterprises focusing on biopharmaceuticals, AI and humanoid robotics.

Through on-site visits, policy briefings, project roadshows and in-depth networking sessions, the event aimed to build a bridge for matching innovation resources between China and Switzerland, thereby empowering Minhang's international innovation ecosystem.

Minhang is fully committed to building three industrial clusters, each worth 100 billion yuan (US$14 billion), which are biopharmaceuticals, aerospace and advanced energy equipment and low-carbon technologies.

Switzerland's global leadership in precision manufacturing, biopharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence and other fields fits perfectly with Minhang's core industrial development strategy, and this serves as a solid foundation for deeper cooperation between the two sides.

"This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Switzerland, and Minhang looks forward to leveraging this event as a starting point to provide a world-class business environment, facilitate the implementation of China-Switzerland R&D projects, promote the commercialization of technological achievements, and foster the realization of cooperative intentions," an official from Minhang District said.

LPGA tourney at Qizhong attracts top names in golf

The 2025 Buick LPGA Championship was held between October 9 and 12 at Qizhong Garden Golf Club in Minhang District.

With the total purse at a record-high of US$2.2 million, it drew top female golfers from 20 countries and regions.

The field includes current world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, defending champion Yin Ruoning, new LPGA champion Wang Xinyi and 12 major champions.

Despite differences in their culture and language, these participants found no barriers to mutual learning and exchange.

Yin, a Shanghai local, introduced Thitikul to local delicacies and dishes.

Thitikul said she was excited to return to Shanghai for the second time.

"It feels truly wonderful to be back here, and Yin has introduced me to the delights of Chinese snacks," she said.

The pair also shared their friendly experience when Thitikul took Yin to try some Thai food while they were in Thailand for the LPGA tournament in February this year.

Minjee Lee also shared her affection for the city.

"I absolutely love Shanghai and the Buick LPGA Shanghai. From the hospitality to the atmosphere on the course, everything feels exceptional. That's why I'll be making this tournament a priority on my schedule and aim to compete in every edition."

Jennifer Kupcho first competed in Shanghai six years ago.

"I was still a rookie in the last LPGA Shanghai, and for the past six years, competition has grown increasingly fierce, with many outstanding players emerging. But I've also undergone many positive changes over the years, and I'll do my best to deliver a strong performance," she said.

Huacao Town expats experience Yunnan culture

The 2025 Shanghai International Family Day Carnival & Minhang's Happy Community Festival and Huacao Town's "Good Go" Season Auto Consumption Festival were held on September 20 and 21.

Over 150 Americans, Singaporeans, Russians and others experienced Yunnan culture by practicing Bai tie-dye, hammering Miao silver fridge magnets, embroidering wool ornaments and cooking noodles.

UK national Angela Petersen has long been fascinated by Yunnan culture and has a keen interest in Tengchong's travel itineraries.

Residents can request personalized Yunnan tours at the Huacao International Community Center. The center routinely holds cultural exchange activities.

Huacao has used the momentum of the "Chunshen Wonderful Life Season" to foster expansion in both commercial districts and supermarkets. On September 20 alone, big stores and shopping malls such as Costco, RT-Mart, Fengshang International Lifestyle Center and Huacao Xuhui U-World reported total sales of more than 9 million yuan (US$ 1,260.387), greatly boosting regional consumer vitality.

Huacao Town, as a trial location for community governance in areas with a large concentration of foreign people, has implemented a new governance structure tailored to the needs of its multinational population.

In its international community governance, Huacao has continuously prioritized cultural integration. It believes this is critical to integrating its varied areas, instilling warmth and encouraging community harmony.

Huacao officials say they plan to start an "International Volunteer Incubation Program" to encourage foreign residents to take part in community discussions, legal observation and public service activities.