A cultural exchange event spotlighting Shanghai’s Putuo district opened in Milan on April 25, blending urban vitality with artistic expression. The “Spring Shanghai — Putuo Day” pop-up, part of the “Shanghai in My Mind” series, was held at a newsstand in Largo Augusto, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into one of Shanghai’s most dynamic districts.

Centered on the theme “Half Marathon Suzhou Creek — Garden of Light”, the event drew inspiration from the scenic Suzhou Creek waterfront and Milan’s rich artistic heritage. Through light, design, and interactive installations, the exhibition fostered a dialogue between the two cities.

“Today, we have come from Putuo, Shanghai, to Milan, bringing with us an artistic showcase inspired by the Half Marathon Suzhou Creek,” said Qian Xiaoli, director of the Putuo District Information Office. “Using light as a bridge, we invite people to discover Putuo … and experience the vitality, charm, and future of this dynamic district.”

Putuo district has positioned itself as a hub for innovation and high-quality development. It plays a key role in the Yangtze River Delta integration strategy and the Shanghai-Nanjing Industrial Innovation Belt.

The district is advancing digital transformation across industries, while areas such as the Suzhou Creek waterfront and Taopu Smart City are emerging as business centers.

The district also hosts major sporting events, including the Suzhou Creek Half Marathon and national competitions. At the same time, cultural landmarks like M50 Creative Park and Hong Shou Fang reflect its vibrant arts and community scene.

At the Milan pop-up, visitors explored installations featuring greenery inspired by Suzhou Creek, cultural products, and displays of traditional Chinese craftsmanship such as bamboo weaving and classic Hero pens.

“Welcome to Milan, the city of design,” said Annamaria Tartaglia, CEO of Brand Sitter, a bespoke Milan-based factory dedicated to the development of high-end brands in global markets. “We are proud of the friendship between the two cities, Milan and Shanghai.”

“I have lived in China for 11 years, and I was deeply attracted by the nature of beauty inside the city and the universities there,” said Edoardo Nieri, founder of Atelier Meadow, an interior design and architecture office in Milan, expressing his warm welcome for the scenes of Shanghai to be moved to Milan.

Contact the writers at zhangzhouxiang@chinadaily.com.cn