Shanghai Daily News

Yangpu is currently undergoing a spectacular transformation that every local, both Chinese and foreign, should witness.

The former industrial area is being redeveloped in an ambitious project that will see the northeastern district converted into a center for innovation and high-technology.

At the center of the project is the Knowledge and Innovation Community. The Shui On Land project consists of the KIC Village, KIC High-tech Park, KIC Plaza and the renovated Jiangwan sports complex.

The first four blocks of the Soho residential area in KIC Village have recently opened, with a rental price of four yuan per square-meter a day.

This week, District Special tours around    this adventurous new     project which is truly representative of the phrase "urban renewal."

Knowledge and              Innovation Community

This 84-hectare development comprises nine blocks of low-density buildings settled around a sunken plaza which will house high-tech startups, computer-related businesses and multimedia operations.

KIC Village is a place that undoubtedly many young entrepreneurs have dreamt of. It is a live-work area with loft-style living, a fresh experience for most people settling here.

The KIC High-tech Park, which will be built as the businesses at KIC grow and expand, is designed to be a home of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, lawyers, accountants and consultants - essentially a place where ideas can be communicated on an even platform.

Jiangwan Stadium

Next to the KIC High-tech Park stands an old sports complex built in 1935. This is a key element of the KIC attraction as it has been completely renovated for entertainment use. The open-air stadium, with an in-field equal to the size of three soccer fields, promotes an athletic lifestyle to residents of KIC and the surrounding area.

This 71-year-old stadium, which can seat 40,000 spectators, is the centerpiece of a stylish sports complex that includes a 50-meter indoor swimming pool and a gymnasium. Its rebirth will provide much-needed training facilities for promising young athletes and those who like to keep fit.

The stadium will also be the site of entertainment as to celebrate the upcoming holiday season, singing concerts, kite flying festival and grand party gatherings will all be held here.

Date: December 23

Time: 1pm to 5:30pm

Event: David Tao concert

Ticket: 100 yuan (US$12.77)

Tel: 962388

IPO Restaurant

This fun theme restaurant seats 170 people and serves fusion cuisine in such mouth-watering dishes as fusion Chinese, Hong Kong favorites, Western steaks, sandwiches, pasta and Asian specialties.

Since opening in September, it has been a popular spot to enjoy a meal and experience the seamless technologies all around, and all in a private atmosphere with minimal disturbance to pursue your inspiration and creativity.

The restaurant features high-tech gadgets and a 100-meter-long LED ticker tape which broadcasts the latest news from the world of finance, sports and  culture. In addition, the space is equipped with Blue Tooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. It also boasts the latest "Audio Spotlight," believed to be the first of its kind in a local restaurant.

IPO has been the venue for numerous events in cocktail parties, press conferences and business forums. It also embodies a healthy dining concept with its policy of using no MSG in its dishes.

From next Friday through December 24, the restaurant is offering a Christmas dinner set menu for two. During this time, a Filipino jazz band will entertain and customers will be invited to test their skill in the lucky draw game.

Address: KIC Village, 88 Jinjian Road

Recommended dishes: Herbal soup with spare ribs served with fried seafood, stir-fried chili prawns and noodle with prawns and shredded-chicken soup.

Christmas set menu price: 228 yuan, 399 yuan and 688 yuan for two.

Fuxing Island

If you are tired of the concrete jungle, Fuxing Island is an ideal retreat to re-energize the body and soul.

This green island is recognized as "a pearl on the Huangpu River," and not a single property has been built at this tranquil oasis.

Besides its perfect ecological environment, the island serves as a place for public recreation with international centers for conference, healthcare and a yacht club.

Address: 386 Gongqing Road