Caojiadu

“A flower market’s ghost lingers,” the old woman whispered, her eyes fixed on the bustling Caojiadu. Caojiadu. Once a simple ferry port on the Wusong River, this place transformed. It became “Little Shanghai in the West.” The Caojiadu Flower Market blossomed, its vibrant colors and sweet scents perfuming the air. The nearby Huxi Cinema, established in 1926, flickered with stories on the silver screen. Factories hummed with activity, their workers forming a tight-knit community. Caojiadu thrived. Then, in December 2017, the flower market closed. But Caojiadu is reinventing itself again. This vibrant area at the intersection of Jing’an, Putuo, and Changning districts is embracing the future. Around 2021, it will boast a state-of-the-art e-sports center. The former flower market site, spanning 18,500 square meters, will host global e-sports competitions. Imagine the roar of the crowd as China’s top e-sports clubs, EDward Gaming and TOPSports, battle it out on their home turf. The old Huxi Cinema is also getting a makeover, transforming into a hub for music and creativity. The entire Caojiadu area is poised to become a 24/7 entertainment destination. A planned skywalk will connect the new e-sports center to the Longde Road Metro Station, ensuring easy access for all. Caojiadu continues to evolve. From a ferry port to “Little Shanghai in the West” to a future e-sports paradise, this dynamic area holds onto its history while embracing the future. Caojiadu’s story, like the city itself, is one of constant transformation.