SHANGHAI’S cultural and tourism authorities yesterday releaseda first group of 50 recommended sites, selected from 124 candidates based on public online voting and expert appraisals.

About 200,000 votes were cast, according to officials from the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism.

The 50 “great places at doorway” include commercial blocks that blend community service, cultural and sports functions, pocket parks and community-based micro theaters, said Zhang Qi, deputy director of the administration.

“They enable residents to get close to nature and have an enjoyable experience at their doorways,” Zhang said.

Winners include the Pudong Library and Wangjiangyi (a rest house by the Huangpu River) in the Pudong New Area, the Yuyuan community culture and activity center in Huangpu District, the Xiwang Garden Lane Museum and the Beizhan Art Center in Jing’an District, the Kangjian Community Sports Park in Xuhui District, Columbia Circle in Changning District and Zhenru Gaoling Market in Putuo District.

In the suburbs, the Nanxiang Ancient Street in Jiading District, Sijing Ancient Town in Songjiang District, and the Tinglin Academy in Jinshan District also made the cut.

Auntie Tao, a resident of Putuo’s Zhenru neighborhood, has experienced and marvelled at the fast changes surrounding her.

“Zhenru is changing day by day as dead-end roads are connected, places for fitness and leisure are built and the Zhenru Gaoling Market serves up local snacks and delicacies,” she said. “I am happy living here.”

Five touristroutes with themes such as laochengxiang, or “old town,” and new experiences in Xuhui District were also released today.