Xingshi (Awakening Lion) Bridge, which Emperor Qianlong personally crossed, was moved to the area from the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal village of Xindian in Lianshi Town, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. Xiaohuan Bridge, originally from Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, was built during Qing Emperor Qianlong's reign.

The highest bridge in the Water Culture Garden gives a view of the Huangpu River, its ships and waterfowl. The garden has no specific layout, but as the designer is an advocate of natural ecology there is symmetry in its profusions. The winding grove paths are paved in slate, and Spiked Loosestrife Herb and reeds frame the river course. Wild flowers and Boston ivy entwine on historical bridges, log benches dot the roadside, and bamboo railings guard the river course.

There are many places to have fun in Minhang. The Jinjiang Amusement Park was the first large Western-style amusement park built in Shanghai. Minhang's parks include the "Tropical Storm" water park, Minhang Sports Park, Xinzhuang Park, Minhang Park and Qizhong Tennis Center, among others.

As the predecessor to urban Shanghai, Minhang on the municipality's outskirts is not Westernized and belongs to no specific suburban culture.

Building an Ecological Zone

Is it possible to build an urbanized district running on industry into an ecological zone and at the same time maintain economic growth? Minhang District, having won the National Garden District, National Model District in Greening and National Ecological District awards, is proof that it is.

China Camphor Tree Street, one of the 12 brand name streets of Shanghai, has the ambience of an old Nanjing thoroughfare. Forest Manor, also shaded by camphor trees, is a luxurious residence. Rancho Santa Fe, the adjacent villa garden, is in a totally different style. The former celebrates elegance and Western style, the latter the beauty of nature. The river and reedy wetland around Rancho Santa Fe are authentic, and its courtyard and whitewashed villas are adorned with vines.

Residents of Minhang value their ecological environment, and their efforts to protect it have paid dividends, as apparent in the district's blue skies, green landscape, clear water and fresh air. There are consequently more people buying property in Minhang and more farsighted entrepreneurs choosing to invest there.

Attracting Investment

Minhang District's healthy investment environment has drawn many investors. The area includes 10 industrial parks above municipal level, including six national industrial parks.

The Shanghai Municipal Xinzhuang Industrial Park, nearest to the downtown area, is accessible by subway and light railway. The park's 10-km circumference encloses 26 schools of higher learning and scientific research institutes. Since its founding in August 1995, foreign investment in the park has totaled US $5.84 billion. A total of 405 enterprises have settled in the park. They include 302 that are foreign-funded, 42 firms on the world top 500 list, and 33 R & D enterprises. A national aerospace scientific and technological base and aerospace museum is soon to be built in Minhang, with the Shenzhou spacecraft as the star exhibit.

The Shanghai Minhang Economic and Technological Development Zone, founded in 1983, is one of Shanghai's two earliest development zones. In August 1986, it was promoted to a national economic and technological development zone with approval of the State Council. It has obtained ISO14000 Environmental Management and ISO9000 Quality Control certification, and been honored for its "Dual excellence in quality and environment of Shanghai Municipality." Minhang generates a 28:1 ratio of tax revenue in proportion to state investment in the district.

Sun Chao, secretary of the Minhang District committee of the Chinese Communist Party, said, "The more its inhabitants love their city, the more energetic and charming the city will be." Minhang is home to 800,000 permanent residents, but has a floating population of 1.2 million. The district obviously attracts residents from beyond its borders.

Minhang's aerospace, traffic hub and science and technology are three beacons in the district. Minhang stands firm amid the challenges the international financial crisis has generated, and is confident of sustained success.