Hongkou District Party Secretary Li Qian made his second appearance on 2024 Dialogue with District Party Secretary on December 5, revisiting goals set a year ago and showcasing achievements through a city walk with the host Qin Chang.
The tour featured key projects that reflect the district’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and enhancing community life.
Last year, Li promised a beacon of hope for book lovers—a 24-hour park library. That vision materialized on April 23, 2024, with the opening of Heping Library, Shanghai's first 24-hour park library, nestled in Heping Park.
To date, the academy has welcomed over 1.1 million visitors, with more than 100,000 arriving during the overnight hours of 8pm to 8am.
Spanning nearly 10,000 square meters, the library integrates a comprehensive library, a children’s section, an arts gallery, a tea lounge, and a green reading zone, offering a multifaceted "culture meets ecology" experience.
Adjacent to the academy, the newly completed Shanghai Carbon Pavilion exemplifies Hongkou’s focus on green development.
The pavilion highlights eco-friendly practices such as coffee grounds recycling and serves as a model for waste management. Solar panels installed on the roof generate approximately 85,000 kWh annually, covering about 25 percent of the pavilion's electricity needs and saving over 100,000 yuan in energy costs.
Hongkou’s ambitious renewable energy projects have surpassed expectations, achieving a 218.38 percent completion rate of the district’s "14th Five-Year Plan" goals by October, with 114 solar projects generating over 10,373 kW of power.
Beyond sustainability, the city walk highlighted urban renewal efforts. The former Hongzhen Old Street has been transformed into the vibrant Ruihongxincheng Community, featuring 1.6 million square meters of developed space, including 9,000 residential units, four commercial projects, and two premium office towers.
Li also explored the "Sit Downstairs" initiative, a repurposed 300-square-meter neighborhood meeting space.
Originally a residents’ committee activity room, it now hosts diverse activities for all ages—English lessons and smartphone photography classes for seniors, youth evening courses on coffee brewing and traditional painting, and family workshops on coding and crafts.
“Neighborhood transformation was initiated by the residents themselves,” Li said. “Everyone contributes and benefits, creating a harmonious community where people regularly gather and engage.” Local talents play active roles as community leaders, enriching the area’s grassroots governance.
The Ruihongxincheng community's cultural and social vibrancy was on display at the Hall of the Sun, its largest commercial complex, where an international music event brought families together, and an art exhibition showcased 40 oil paintings by three women in their 50s, reflecting on the neighborhood's past and present.
Reflecting on the district’s progress, Li expressed optimism: “From last year’s promise of a light to this year’s vibrant Ruihong community, we see the sun’s energy driving transformation. With confidence and unity, we will continue building a better tomorrow.”