On November 10, 2025, the Student Union of AEBS successfully held the themed expansion training “Urban Pathways Under the Shade of Phoenix Trees.” Centered on Haipai culture and urban renewal, Chinese and international students explored historical neighborhoods and creative venues in Shanghai, experiencing the harmony of innovation and heritage within the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
First Stop: Shanghai Film Art Center — A Journey Through the Art of Cinema
The journey began at the Shanghai Film Art Center, where participants visited the Dolby Theatre Shanghai. Designed in iconic “China Red,” it is China’s first 5A-rated cinema and home to numerous box-office-topping premieres, reflecting the unique charm of Haipai cinema. The group also explored the Filmmakers’ Club, a private screening hall for directors and jurors during the Shanghai International Film Festival, and Hall 2, a spacious, fully retractable-seating venue that can be transformed for performances and creative productions—an embodiment of boundless artistic imagination.
Second Stop: Xinhua Villa District — Architectural Echoes of Haipai Style
After leaving the cinema, participants embarked on a City Walk through the Xinhua Villa District, discovering the diverse aesthetics of Haipai architecture: Spanish-style garden houses, the former Dutch Embassy residence, the old Swedish Consulate, villas once inhabited by bank officials, and elegant buildings inspired by Italian Renaissance and Neoclassical San Diego-style design. The interplay of phoenix trees and red-brick façades offered a poetic glimpse into Shanghai’s enduring urban charm.
Lunch Session: Cross-Industry Dialogue in a Creative Art Space
During lunch at a creative art space, students and teachers shared a warm and inspiring conversation with staff from the Rainbow Chamber Singers. The dialogue centered on the interaction between theater, music, and industry, exploring how artistic creativity intertwines with everyday urban life and inspires innovation across disciplines.
Third Stop: Innovation and Heritage — Signing Ceremony & Cultural Experience
Students and teachers witnessed a new chapter of collaboration. Afterward, they explored the HAMKC Pet Industry Innovation Hub, learning about its creative pet apparel and lifestyle product designs. The visit highlighted how innovation and emotional warmth can coexist in modern cultural industries.
The next activity was the Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Workshop, where participants experienced the delicacy of traditional craftsmanship under the guidance of local artisans. The shimmer of shells meeting wood reflected the spirit of patience and artistry behind intangible cultural heritage.
The whole group visited the Light Seed Art Center to attend the official signing and plaque-unveiling ceremony of East China Normal University with FICS.
Evening Highlight: Violin Recital by
Professor Yibin Li
As night fell, the event concluded with a special artistic experience — the Violin Recital by Professor Yibin Li at Building 7 of FICS Xinhua 365. Surrounded by the harmony of classic and modern aesthetics, the audience was captivated by the enchanting melodies, marking a perfect finale to the day’s journey through urban culture and artistic heritage.
Epilogue: Under the Light and the Phoenix Trees, a New Chapter Begins
The “Urban Pathways Under the Shade of Phoenix Trees” event came to a perfect close in an atmosphere of warmth and inspiration. From film to architecture, from creativity to craftsmanship, Chinese and international students experienced the cultural heartbeat of Shanghai and the artistic vitality behind its urban renewal. Moving forward, AEBS students will continue to explore the city with openness and curiosity, documenting its stories and shining brightly amid the symphony of diversity.
