On December 20, the second Jianqiao Neighborhood Festival kicked off at Dongfang Jianqiao, a vibrant commercial hub near Hangzhou East Railway Station. The event was jointly hosted by Xizi United and Jianqiao Subdistrict, with an announcement from Wang Shuifu, chairman of Xizi United and a lifelong Jianqiao native: the upcoming launch of an aviation and aerospace-themed library right here.

Just a stone’s throw from the railway station, Dongfang Jianqiao is a vibrant community hub developed by Xizi United - a place where history, hometown pride, and everyday life come together. During its recent Neighborhood Festival, the area buzzed with energy under seven lively themes: “Gather, Celebrate, Listen, Hunt (for treasures), Share, Savor, and Connect.” But the real showstopper? A special folk culture exhibition co-curated with the Jianqiao War Memorial Museum. Vintage photos and nostalgic artifacts lined the walls, sparking shared memories and heartfelt conversations about Jianqiao’s storied past.

Known as Hangzhou’s “eastern gateway,” Jianqiao has long held strategic importance. In 1931, the Central Aviation School relocated here, training a generation of pilots and earning its title as the cradle of China’s aviation pioneers. Then came August 14, 1937 - the legendary Jianqiao Air Battle unfolded over Hangzhou’s skies, etching a heroic chapter into both China’s war of resistance and modern history.

That deep-rooted aviation legacy lives on in Dongfang Jianqiao’s new aerospace-themed library - an idea born straight from local sentiment. Wang Shuifu, a native son of Jianqiao, dreamed of flying as a boy. Years later, as founder of Xizi United, he steered his company into high-end manufacturing and aerospace partnerships. “This library isn’t just corporate goodwill,” he says. “It’s our way of giving neighborhood kids - and everyone - a window to look up at the stars and imagine what’s possible.”

More than just a shopping or dining destination, Dongfang Jianqiao is designed as a “second living room” for the community - warm, welcoming, and full of everyday charm. A traditional Jianqiao Teahouse, riverside matchmaking corners (“Blind Date by the River”), a talent hub, and wellness and fitness spaces will be coming soon. Together, they’ll weave a neighborhood life that’s rich in both comfort and meaning - where people don’t just pass through but choose to stay, connect, and belong to.