Fengxian: A Growth Hub with Rural Upgrades

Fengxian is emerging as a new growth hub in southern Shanghai, with advancements in industry, tourism, public services and rural living during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2020-2025).

The district is now recognized as a vital growth engine for Shanghai. Over the past five years, Fengxian has experienced rapid development in manufacturing, services, and innovation, according to Liu Ping, Party secretary of the district.

Last year, factories in Fengxian produced goods valued at more than 2.7 trillion yuan (US$380 billion). Four key sectors – beauty and health, new energy, new materials, and smart equipment – now represent over 80 percent of the local industry.

Oriental Beauty Valley, Shanghai's main hub for cosmetics and beauty-related health products, remains the most prominent identity associated with Fengxian, said Liu.

The district is home to more than one-third of all cosmetic manufacturing companies in Shanghai and is also strengthening its presence in pharmaceuticals and wellness foods.

The valley has attracted global brands and research teams, partly due to the establishment of the new Hai Gui Xiao Zhen, or Overseas Returnee Town, which supports entrepreneurs who have studied abroad.

Fengxian has promoted nature-based and cultural tourism over the past five years. The district has added parks, improved waterfront access, and upgraded its main attractions, including the Shanghai Fish landmark area, named after the lake in the shape of a fish.

Rural tourism has also seen growth. The district has renovated village environments, expanded greenery, and supported the development of high-quality homestays.

Currently, seven local homestays have achieved five-star ratings, making them popular destinations for weekend trips, short retreats, and family-friendly stays.

Several major transport projects are either underway or already completed. The extension of Metro Line 15 is progressing, and new highway links, including the S3, S4 Fengpu East Bridge, and G228, have enhanced travel between Fengxian, downtown Shanghai and neighboring provinces.

This year, Fengxian has opened two city-level hospitals: the new campuses of Xinhua Hospital and the Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University. These facilities are expected to improve access to advanced medical care services in the southern region.

Several cultural sites have opened, including Yanzi Academy, named after Yan Yan, a disciple of Confucius who taught in the area during his later years, and the city's first science-fiction-themed venue, the Waving Cube Science Fiction Museum. These sites have quickly gained popularity among families and students.

Additionally, schools have expanded. Fengxian now offers more balanced public education and has collaborated with universities like East China Normal University to develop new programs.

Fengxian is also modernizing its rural areas. Officials have reported improvements in farmland, green spaces, and village facilities. High-tech farming has progressed, with the district's first "5G + AI" smart farm already in operation.

The district plans to strengthen its collaboration with the Lingang New Area, enhance its advanced manufacturing sector into a "smart-manufacturing highland," and increase the global influence of the Oriental Beauty Valley during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, according to Liu.

It will also work on improving city services such as housing, transportation, education, and health care, upgrading commercial areas, and developing more tourism-friendly streets and waterfronts. Additionally, it aims to promote rural revitalization through more homestays, cultural events, and ecotourism routes.