Jiading New City — a burgeoning area in Shanghai's Jiading district — unveiled its Hengli River Sci-Tech & Cultural Axis Integrating Seven Major Zones development vision recently.
It revealed it at its annual promotion event, showcasing a modern blueprint that blends science, culture and livability that is designed to attract both investors and innovators.
The central "axis" follows the Hengli River, connecting seven distinct urban zones.
These include Jiading's 1,500-year-old cultural district, an innovation-driven CBD, a medtech-focused industrial town and a future city practice zone that is dedicated to integrated circuits and sensors.
A highlight is the Kejia Demonstration Park in Xuhang, built around photonics. Collaborating with the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics or SIOM affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the park has so far attracted 24 startups and it recorded output worth 490 million yuan ($67.9 million) in the first half of 2025.
Entrepreneurs say the vision strengthens the industrial supply chain and enhances the overall business ecosystem. Leaders expect preferential policies to further boost vertical integration and attract more upstream and downstream partners.
The event also introduced the JIA Power-up Space. It's a new initiative that aims to fast-track industrial application in sectors like advanced medical equipment by combining R&D, services and urban functions in one cohesive platform.
Jiading's urban strategy aligns with Shanghai's innovation-driven growth agenda. With 44 key projects underway, the district is transforming into an innovation node and a magnet for global talent and capital.