“Centering on Zero Point Plaza, the coverage extends to Wusong Paotaiwan National Wetland Park, Riverside Park, and Shanghai Sea World, creating a cohesive network. This approach amplifies the impact of the event, showcasing the new developments and image of the Shanghai International Cruise Tourism Resort,” Ding Li, deputy head of Baoshan District, explained the integrated approach behind this world-class event, which links business, tourism, culture, sports, and exhibitions.

This year is an Olympic year and marks a crucial moment in Shanghai’s efforts to become a top hub for international sports events. Luo Wenhua, deputy director general of the Shanghai Administration of Sports, emphasized the high spectator value of the F1H2O race. The event will be broadcast to over 100 countries and regions worldwide, offering a great opportunity to showcase Shanghai’s image on the global stage. It is also expected to convert global viewership into cultural tourism spending, boost Baoshan’s development, and enhance the sense of fulfillment and happiness among local residents through sports.

Waterfront development makes the location a prime spot with panoramic views.

Located on the northern edge of Shanghai, the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal is one of the city’s most iconic water sports landmarks. Over the years, it has hosted numerous events, including sailing competitions. According to industry experts, the location’s natural advantage at the convergence of the Yangtze River and the East China Sea creates strong currents and abundant wind resources. The 600,000-square-meter water area also offers panoramic views on three sides, making it ideal for professional sports events. For larger-scale competitions with more spectators, the shoreline provides an excellent vantage point for spectators to enjoy the races.

However, selecting a site for world-class sports events involves more than just infrastructure; services are equally important. According to UIM’s event rules, this race features nine top-tier teams. To ensure a successful event, the organizers have engaged professional institutions for site surveys and functional zoning to facilitate a well-coordinated layout. In terms of business development, efforts to attract sponsors have been advanced through various channels, including title sponsorship. Damai has been appointed as the ticketing agent, with Piaoxingqiu and Bilibili as ticketing partners, managing phased and tiered ticket sales. These business partners, each with their own strengths, effectively target professional audiences and promote the event within a short preparation period.

“Let the experts handle what they do best while fostering a stronger synergy between an active government and an efficient market,” explained an event official. This is precisely the philosophy that Baoshan has embraced in developing its riverside area.

The revitalized riverside unveils a new chapter of “sight of ails and flute melodies”.

This October, visitors to the Baoshan riverside area for the event will experience a new kind of “happiness”—an immersive journey in the revamped Shanghai International Cruise Tourism Resort. The former mudflats and docks have been transformed, with several kilometers of waterfront now connecting cultural landmarks like Long Beach Concert Hall and Wusong Paotaiwan National Wetland Park. Soon, flowing melodies will become a distinctive symbol of this vibrant shoreline.

At the end of this month, Long Beach Concert Hall, designed by world-class architects and acoustic engineers, will host its inaugural performance. Situated at the Yangtze River estuary, this concert hall resembles a crystal palace, drawing inspiration from the “Dragon Palace of the East China Sea” in the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. During the day, it glimmers in the sunlight, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow; at night, perforated aluminum panels allow light to filter through, simulating the refractive effects of diamonds for a stunning visual display.

Globally, many renowned port cities have a deep-rooted connection with music. The Sydney Opera House in Australia has attracted countless music lovers from across the globe with its iconic sail-like design and exceptional concerts.

At Baoshan riverside, Long Beach Concert Hall isn’t the only venue making its debut. During the National Day holiday, a series of cultural tourism activities will unfold, including the Shanghai Cruise Culture Tourism Festival, the Baoshan float parade of the Shanghai Tourism Festival, and the Tent Music Season. From the upcoming Port Concert featuring Chinese bel canto group Vocal Force to performances by popular dance troupes and rock bands at the Wusong Paotaiwan National Wetland Park’s Shell Square, there will be fresh interpretations of the “sight of sails and flute melodies” described by Zhu Ziqing.

With the opening of several new commercial venues, the significant traffic generated by large sports events and art performances is expected to translate into increased spending.

On September 30, Shanghai Sea World, viewed as a “micro-vacation destination”, will officially open. Beyond its expansive space exceeding 240,000 square meters, industry experts are particularly intrigued by its unique positioning as Shanghai’s first cruise-themed riverside cultural tourism commercial venue. In the initial phase, the investment attraction team focused on aligning with the characteristics of the riverside area, creatively designing commercial spaces tailored to various customer segments. For instance, there will be a marine-themed playground featuring motorless facilities for families, an aerial art corridor for artistic youth, and a sea-view diving pool for sports enthusiasts.