Xuhui district to upgrade waterfront area with a blend of art and AI

Aiming to rival waterfront areas in Paris and London, Shanghai's Xuhui district has transformed its riverside section from a production-oriented model to one that is life-oriented by combining artificial intelligence with art.

This section, which features a waterfront area that spans more than 11 kilometers, has since 2012 been known as the West Bund.

According to the district authority, the integration of AI development has been the top priority this year in the enhancement of the West Bund.

For example, the West Bund Smart Valley was established and leading businesses in various industries, including internet technology, mobile technology, media, and block chain, have moved into the area.

An AI town with a construction capacity of over 1 million square meters will be built into a world-class community for scientific innovation. This town will function as a new engine for the district's development, the district authority said.

Rows of art galleries and theaters have also been put into operation. In addition, 20 public service centers that provide tourist information, medical aid, rest areas, luggage storage and emergency services have been put in place.

"We also focus on the interest of residents and tourists when designing the details of the West Bund. It will be a riverside area of excellence only when it belongs to the people," said Fang Shizhong, deputy Party secretary and district governor of Xuhui.

Home to 1,074 historic buildings, the district has also been reinvigorating many of its old architectures.

More than 30 tour routes centered on Hengshan Road and Middle Fuxing Road, where most of the historic buildings are located, have been introduced to help residents and tourists indulge in the historical and cultural charm of this unique area where famous celebrities, writers and musicians once lived.