On September 19, 2010, the "Highlighting Distinctive Block Charm, Sharing Better Urban Life – North Sichuan Road Development Forum" was held at the Hongkou District Government Conference Center. The forum was jointly organized by the Shanghai Municipal CPPCC Economic Committee, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, and Hongkou District CPPCC. Dr. Shan Wenhui was invited to attend and deliver a keynote speech.
Dr. Shan emphasized that North Sichuan Road Commercial Street represents the authentic birthplace of Shanghai-style (Haipai) culture. While Nanjing Road is characterized by its central location and concentration of time-honored brands, and Huaihai Road is renowned for its historic architecture and romantic tree-lined boulevards, North Sichuan Road was once the gathering place for numerous historical and cultural luminaries, leaving behind valuable Haipai architectural heritage.
Notably, North Sichuan Road boasts multiple "cultural firsts" in Shanghai, including:
- China's first official cinema
- Shanghai's first Cantonese opera performance center
- The city's earliest literary salon
These unique cultural assets endow the North Sichuan Road area with profound historical significance and cultural depth.
News link