Residential compound program opens for cultural talent

A ceremony was held at a residential compound, a program that provides 200 apartments of affordable housing for cultural talent, in Shanghai's Minhang district on Tuesday, marking its official opening.

Altogether 182 young cultural talents have become dwellers in this compound jointly launched by the municipal publicity authority and Minhang district government to provide such talent with a diverse, affordable housing option where they can find a sense of belonging.

This apartment complex on Xingzhong Road, is the city's fourth program of such so far. The other three are in districts of Hongkou and Putuo as well as Pudong New Area. They provide a total of more than 500 apartments, and 502 individuals have moved in.

Chen Qian, a 32-year-old editor with Shanghai Century Publishing (Group) Co Ltd is a resident in the housing program in Minhang district. During her career experience, across three cities for the past decade after graduating from university, she has moved nine times, and that happened passively in most cases.

"But now I have such perfect facilities and a stable living environment in a living compound like this, I feel more relaxed and at ease to plan for my long-term career goals," she said.

In addition to the ideal location and competitive monthly rents compared with market price, Su Yi, who works with a bookstore affiliated with Shanghai United Media Group, said that she chooses to move in for its advanced facilities as well.

"There are electric locks at the gate of the residential compound and each lift. Moreover, we can see who is ringing the bell from a digital screen at home," said Su, 29.

The residential compound is equipped with not only convenience stores and restaurants but also gardens, shared living rooms and gym facilities to cater to the dwellers' needs for living, study and interaction.