Putuo Study Trip

Anaïs LAURENT

Summary

Introduction 1.  My assumptions about China before I

arrived 2.  Presentation of Putuo District 3.  My assumptions about China now

Conclusion

Introduction �  As part of my semester in Shanghai, I have had the opportunity to

participate at my first Study Trip �  During 2 days, we have discovered Putuo district, one of the most

dynamic area for trade and logistics in the northwest of the city �  As an open-minded student, I have chosen to go abroad to learn

more about a new culture �  I am interesting in experiencing a completely different way of life

and way of thinking. Moreover, I think it will help me to gain exposure to and respect for different views

�  China is, perhaps, likely to be a part of my future professional sphere and experiencing its culture and understanding its market growth will probably boost my career

My assumptions about China before I arrived

�  Before leaving France, I had some assumptions about China and maybe also some “stereotypes” about Chinese People. You could find thereafter the main ones : �  Chinese people work a lot and are hard-working: I thought that

Chinese people are not lazy. They are not scared about working a lot because they earn money during that times. I remembered one discussion with a chinese’ classmate, he said « As I see it, when you work, you are paid. So why stop at 35 hours a week ?”

�  Chinese people are huge polluters: I have heard about “The smog” before arriving in Shanghai. Personally, I was very impressed by the image on December : the landmark Building had disappeared from the skyline.

�  China manufactures low quality products: The image of “Made in China” products versus “Made in France” products is very depreciate.

�  Chinese people are shy: I thought that they are very humble person and they tend to be reserved in social life.

Presentation of Putuo District

Relevant figures &

information about Putuo

Located in the northwest of

Shanghai, bordered by 5

districts

An area of 55.47 square

kilometers with a GDP of around RMB 50 billion in

2013

The district is the birthplace of

national industry

The Suzhou river runs through the district for 14 km

1.289 million inhabitants in 2013 including

44 ethnic groups

Presentation of Putuo District �  We have learnt lot of things about the area of Putuo during this 2

days. First off all, it seems that Putuo District owns the location advantage because it is lied in the periphery of Shanghai downtown area. Indeed, several metro lines cross this area and another are still under contruction. Putuo is also an important gateway and numerous traffic hub highway starts from the district.

�  With this convenience, the district is becoming logically the “Logistics & Trade Center” in Shanghai. Nowadays, lot of headquarters are set up there : Schneider, Carrefour, NSI, BMW…

�  The government of the district also plays a huge role for accelerating the development of the economy, in particular, it tries to strengthen the cooperation with other provinces in Shanghai.

�  Many efforts have been performed to create a good environment for working or living in Putuo : green landscape, confortable housing, creation of more jobs…

Presentation of Putuo district

Future orientation

and development

axes

Develop modern

service & cultural

industries

Improve people’s

living standards

Improve the image of

Putuo

Develop high-tech

industries to attract more international

firms

Presentation of Putuo District

� How many logistic departments are set up in Putuo District ? �  “70% of supermarkets and stores in Shanghai

have their logistics distributed in Putuo” Director of Putuo District

� What is the price of a square kilometer in Putuo area ? � “It costs around RMB50.000” Changfeng

ecological business district representative

Putuo District overview Jade Buddah Temple

“An old Buddhist temple, built in 1882 by Hui Gen”

Putuo District overview M50 Gallery

“Hosts over 150 modern and contemporary art galleries”

Putuo District overview Global Harbor

“Opened on 5th July 2013, it is the biggest shopping center of the city”

Putuo District overview Changfeng ecology business zone

“Started in 2003 and to be completed in 2015, it is a pilot area for comprehensive reform in the service industry in Shanghai”

Putuo District overview Delixi

“Specialized in the manufacturing of the electric power transmission and distribution appliances”

My assumptions about China now �  After one month in China and this study trip overed, my feelings

about Chinese culture have already changed completely or partially. For instance, I am now aware of that:

�  Even if, Chinese people work a lot, they take time for having a nap when it is necessary. For them, it is not a shame to sleep in public area but it is a natural need like eating.

�  I was really surprised when I arrived in Shanghai and I saw that they drove electrical motorcycle, bus or tuc-tuc. As well, for the heating system, because there is no heating in public areas. Moreover, in Putuo district, many “green areas”(with solar panels) have been built.

�  In spite of the bad connotation of “ Made In China”, we have seen that Chinese company are not all the same and answered also to rigorous international standards as Delixi (which manufactures electrical components).

�  I have noticed Chinese people are curious people and they prefer to observe before talking. The relationship was built on long-term. When, you try to understand that, you can’t think that they are to shy.

Conclusion �  Discover Putuo district was a full experience of learning and

discoveries. We were warmly welcomed everywhere and all is organized to create a favorable environment for both leaving or working. That is why, it made me want to work in this area later.

�  These 2 days ended with a welcome party in Marina club. It was a good opportunity to speak with former FBS students and also to begin to build our guanxi.

Cited researshes � Speech and Powerpoint presentation of

Putuo District � http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

Putuo_District,_Shanghai � http://english.shpt.gov.cn/index.shtml � http://www.delixi.com/english/aboutdlx/

aboutdlx.htm � http://changfengland.com/

webfront_english/default.aspx � Powerpoint presentation of Changfeng

ecological business district