In the early 2000s, Yangpu District in Shanghai was undergoing a period of urban transformation aimed at leveraging its educational institutions, talent base, and underdeveloped/former industrial land. The aim was to promote social and economic development and demonstrate sustainable development patterns for the district and wider region.

The district hosts 17 universities and over 200 research institutions, combined with dilapidated industrial lands, railway lines, and an old stadium available for redevelopment.

This inspired the "Yangpu University City" concept (subsequently re-branded to Yangpu Knowledge and Innovation Center, or KIC) intended to create an integrated knowledge community and innovation hub similar to Silicon Valley, focusing on growing high-tech industries supported by academic research institutions.

Retrospective:

The goal of developing Shanghai's Yangpu University City was to create an environment that would bring together the district’s educational, cultural, land, and human resources in a way that boosts their social and economic value. It has largely been successful at that.

Yangpu District is home to 17 universities and over 200 research institutions. The area also featured a lot of old industrial land, railway yards, and a (then abandoned) stadium - all waiting for transformation. These unique resources created an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into the district.

Silicon Valley was used as a reference/comparable. The area’s universities and research institutions form a vibrant, if fragmented community. The challenge was how to bring them together using a centrally located development that would promote collaboration and socialization.

The plan envisions stitching together the 17 campuses with two main “knowledge corridors” running north-south and east-west. At the crossroads of these two corridors, near a major transit station, the heart of the University City emerged.

The district breaks down into several key zones: the “Hub” (social and activity center), the “University Village” for live/work spaces, Technology Parks along Songhu Road, and the “Stadium East” Sports and Recreation Center, and adjoining residential neighborhoods.

The “Hub” in front of the historic Jiangwan Stadium has become a flexible, multi-use landmark. It serves as the social center by providing a wide range of cultural and wellness amenities. In addition, it hosts centralized tech and professional services like e-commerce support, HR, legal, and financial advice, alongside shared resources such as government offices related to research funding, patent processing, and libraries. Key elements of the Hub include conference and exhibition spaces, training facilities, commercial offices, retail shops and restaurants, and entertainment venues.

“Stadium East” – the area around Jiangwan Stadium, a historic site, will be carefully preserved. It was repurposed as a sports and wellness hub supporting fitness, games, and outdoor activities. A new sports facilities caters to both training and competitions. The “X-Games” has been held here.

The “University Village”, stretching from the Hub with pedestrian-friendly streets linking various campuses, features buildings lower in height than Shanghai’s typical commercial zones. Inspired by the Left Bank of Paris, it has cozy cafes, bookstores, and student services on the first floor and apartments above. Courtyards within building blocks provide welcoming spaces for neighbors to gather and interact. The most picturesque street, University Avenue, connects the Hub to Fudan University and became a vibrant cultural and commercial corridor.

The Technology Parks area offers space for R&D that is close to the universities. Unlike typical office environments, these park-like office environments resemble campus settings—lushly landscaped and equipped with social, recreation, and dining options to support employees who work long/irregular hours.