On June 28, Shanghai’s Putuo District took a significant step toward establishing itself as a global leader in the diamond and jewelry industry. The district government and the stakeholders in China hosted the “Global Connection, Ecological Symbiosis” Diamond and Jewelry Industry Innovation Ecosystem Launch and Zhongzuan Network Opening Ceremony at Zhonghai Center in Putuo District. The event marked the unveiling of a comprehensive strategy to transform the district into a world-class hub for diamond trade, innovation, and culture.

The ceremony brought together prominent figures from the diamond and jewelry industry, government officials, and business leaders, underscoring the importance of this initiative. Among the attendees were Ye Zhibin, President of the China Jewelry and Jade Industry Association; He Shaojun, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Commerce’s Shanghai Office; Lin Qiang, President of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange; Xiang Yihai, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism; Meng Xiaojun, Chief Economist of the National Gemstone Testing Center; Xu Yilei, Managing Director of Greater China of Natural Diamond Council (NDC); Zhao Liang, Deputy Secretary General of the Putuo District CCP Committee and Acting District Mayor; and Li Ronghua, Member of the District CCP Standing Committee and Deputy District Mayor.

A Milestone for China’s Jewelry Industry

In his keynote address, Ye Zhibin emphasized the milestone significance of the event for China’s gold and jewelry industry, which is currently undergoing a critical period of transformation and upgrading. He noted that the launch of Zhongzuan Network aligns with the historical trends of digital transformation and industrial innovation in China’s gold manufacturing sector. Ye praised Putuo District’s efforts in creating an innovative ecosystem for the diamond and jewelry industry, highlighting its role in driving the industry forward amid a complex and uncertain global environment.

Ye also stressed the importance of expanding domestic demand and promoting consumption as key strategies for the industry’s growth. He expressed the association’s commitment to integrating resources, fostering innovation, and enhancing consumption scenarios to empower the industry’s ecosystem. “This event is not just a milestone for the industry but a testament to the potential of digital transformation in shaping the future of China’s jewelry sector,” Ye remarked.

Putuo’s Vision: The “One Core, Two Wings” Strategy

At the heart of Putuo District’s ambitious plan is the “One Core, Two Wings” strategy, a comprehensive framework designed to integrate cultural heritage, industrial innovation, and immersive consumer experiences. This strategy aims to position Putuo as a global hub for the diamond and jewelry industry, leveraging its unique advantages in location, infrastructure, and policy support.

• The Core: Diamond Museum
  The Diamond Museum will serve as the cultural and economic centerpiece of the district. Envisioned as a global cultural landmark, the museum will connect cultural resources, industrial value, and urban vitality. It will host a variety of exhibitions, including themed showcases like the Silk Road Pearl Exhibition and Women’s Empowerment Exhibit, as well as international pavilions representing diamond cultures from South Africa, Russia, Belgium, India, and Australia. The museum will also feature immersive digital experiences, such as virtual mining and design workshops, to engage visitors and promote the global diamond ecosystem. The Diamond Museum is set to become a beacon of cultural and industrial innovation. It will promote a virtuous cycle of cultural resources, industrial value, and urban vitality. The museum’s offerings will include themed exhibitions, VR digital pavilions, and international pavilions highlighting diamond cultures from around the world. The museum will also serve as a hub for cultural exchange, hosting international competitions, academic forums, and design showcases. These initiatives aim to position the museum as a global leader in diamond culture and innovation.
• The Two Wings:
  • Industrial Wing: This wing focuses on establishing a global diamond trading hub, fostering local design talent, and transitioning China’s diamond industry from manufacturing to standard-setting. Key initiatives include the creation of an international diamond trading center, a designer studio cluster, and platforms for innovation and talent development.
  • Consumer Wing: Aimed at creating an immersive luxury destination, this wing will highlight “Oriental Diamond Aesthetics” through cultural experiences, digital technology, and a vibrant nighttime economy. It will include an immersive diamond-themed commercial complex, a cultural journey through the history and artistry of diamonds, and nighttime activities such as light and shadow shows.

Zhongzuan Network: A Digital Platform for Global Connectivity

A key highlight of the event was the launch of Zhongzuan Network, a digital platform co-founded by the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, NGTC, Weilan Cloud, Songgang Capital, and other industry leaders. The platform focuses on domestic diamond recycling and derivative transactions, creating a closed-loop value chain for recycling and resale. Global buyers can directly bid online, enabling China, despite not commercially mining natural diamonds, to participate in international trade under the “China Diamond” identity.

Lin Qiang, President of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, described Zhongzuan Network as a cornerstone for the innovative development of Putuo’s diamond and jewelry industry ecosystem. He noted that the platform’s launch represents a significant step toward integrating digital technology with traditional industries, fostering coordinated domestic and international development.

Wang Yanhong, Rotating Chairwoman of Weilan Cloud (Shanghai) Digital Technology Co., Ltd. and Zhongzuan Network, highlighted the platform’s role in connecting global diamond resources. “Zhongzuan Network creates a seamless value chain for recycling and resale, allowing China to play a pivotal role in the global diamond trade,” she said.

Xu Chenchen, President of Zhongzuan Network (Shanghai) Digital Technology Co., Ltd., delivered a keynote speech on “Global Connectivity, Ecological Symbiosis, and Joint Global Industry Development.”

Strategic Cooperation and Future Vision

The event also featured the release of the “Putuo District Diamond and Jewelry Industry Ecosystem Plan” and strategic cooperation signings for initiatives such as the Diamond and Jewelry Industry Fashion Block, NGTC Diamond Sorting Platform, and Diamond Museum. These collaborations aim to strengthen the district’s industrial foundation and enhance its global competitiveness.

Zhao Liang, Acting District Mayor, warmly welcomed the guests on behalf of the Putuo District Committee and Government. He highlighted Putuo’s strategic location, vast development potential, and solid industrial foundation as a key node along the Shanghai-Nanjing Industrial Innovation Belt. Zhao outlined the district’s commitment to building a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates mass consumption, international exchange, exhibitions, and certification, contributing to Shanghai’s status as an international consumption center.

Looking ahead, Putuo aims to establish itself as an influential hub for the diamond and jewelry industry. The district plans to deeply integrate technological and industrial innovation, foster a vibrant diamond and jewelry culture, and accelerate the creation of an international diamond cultural consumption landmark. “Putuo is committed to building a competitive industry ecosystem, providing comprehensive support in policies, finance, and talent for enterprises rooted in the district,” Zhao stated.

A Global Vision for the Future

Putuo District’s strategy extends beyond local development, aiming to establish itself as a global design ecological center. By attracting international talent and fostering creative incubation, the district seeks to integrate culture, commerce, sports, and tourism into a vibrant urban environment. International competitions and academic exchanges will further stimulate innovation and collaboration.

The district is also focusing on ecological innovation by building a “Transaction + Design + Technology” full-chain innovation community. Cross-border collaborations, such as “Diamond + AI” projects, and the establishment of an AI Jewelry Classroom for integrated education and experience, are key components of this vision.

With its “One Core, Two Wings” strategy, Putuo District is poised to become a global leader in the diamond and jewelry industry. By combining cultural heritage, innovative technology, and international collaboration, the district aims to foster economic growth and cultural enrichment, setting a new standard for urban development. As Putuo continues to build its ecosystem, it is well on its way to becoming a shining jewel in Shanghai’s crown.