GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 September 2026 – On September 16, the Phoenix Financial Forum for the Greater Bay Area 2026 was held in Guangzhou. Under the theme "New Intelligence, New Openness", the forum brought together government representatives, experts, scholars, and business leaders to discuss major topics including artificial intelligence, the internationalization of Chinese companies, new quality productive forces, and cross-border asset management.
PHOENIX STAR 2026 CHINA CITY HONORS Unveiled in Guangzhou, Highlighting the Distinctive Value of Chinese City Brands
As part of the forum, the PHOENIX STAR 2026 CHINA CITY HONORS were officially unveiled.
Developed by Phoenix TV in collaboration with Brand Finance, the honors draw on selected data and findings from the Brand Finance China City Index 2026 to highlight distinctive strengths of Chinese cities that have strong potential to resonate with wider audiences. Through Phoenix TV's global media network, the honors aim to bring greater visibility to the unique value of Chinese cities and support their city-brand development.
The underlying Brand Finance research covered 70 major Chinese cities and surveyed approximately 12,000 respondents. It examined 46 city brand attributes across seven pillars: Business & Investment, Liveability, Culture & Heritage, People & Values, Sustainability & Transport, Governance, and Education & Science.
This year's honors highlighted the distinctive strengths of city brands across China.
Guangzhou received the title 2026 City of Brand Influence in recognition of its openness and inclusiveness, strong public awareness, and business appeal. Hangzhou was named the 2026 City of Innovation and Entrepreneurial Vitality for its dynamic innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and urban creativity.
Nanjing received the title 2026 City of Industry-Academia-Research Integration, reflecting its strengths in higher education and research, as well as close collaboration between academia and industry. Chengdu was named the 2026 City of Culture, Tourism and Consumer Vitality for bringing cultural and tourism experiences together with vibrant consumer offerings.
Changchun received the title 2026 City of Cultural Festival Appeal, reflecting its diverse cultural festivals and distinctive urban character. Xi'an was named the 2026 City of Historical and Cultural Influence for bringing its rich historical and cultural legacy to life through contemporary expression and wider engagement.
During the forum, Scott Chen, Managing Director of Brand Finance China, spoke to Phoenix TV about the findings of the Brand Finance China City Index 2026.
"The research shows that cities follow a wide variety of development models, and there is no single path that applies to all of them," Chen said. "Yet the cities that remain most memorable are often those that have developed one particular strength to an exceptional level, or those that possess a distinctive but under-recognized advantage. This is also the value of our collaboration with Phoenix TV on the PHOENIX STAR 2026 CHINA CITY HONORS: identifying the defining strength that makes each city memorable."
Chen added that conventional indicators used in city promotion, such as GDP and population, can describe a city's size but cannot fully explain why people aspire to visit it, trust it, or choose to stay.
"Helping wider audiences understand the aspects of everyday life that make local residents proud may be one of the most cost-effective investments a city can make in its brand today," he said.
From openness and inclusiveness to innovation and entrepreneurship, from consumer experiences and cultural festivals to academic collaboration and cultural heritage, the presentation reflected the diversity of Chinese city brands. A city brand is not only an expression of the city's image; it is also becoming an important form of soft power for attracting talent, industry, capital, and consumption.
Following the city honors presentation, the forum announced the Joint Initiative for Global Brand Communications of "Invest Guangzhou". The initiative was jointly launched by Phoenix TV's FengShows, the Canton Investment Development Commission (CIDC), and Guangzhou's coordinating office for city brand development and communications. The three parties will draw on their respective strengths to collaborate on the global promotion of the "Invest Guangzhou" brand, international economic and trade events, a global investment-promotion think tank, and regular communications and project implementation. The collaboration aims to enhance Guangzhou's visibility among global investors and encourage more international capital, industries, and talent to discover and engage with the city.
Looking ahead, Phoenix TV will continue to follow the development of Chinese city brands and use its global media network to bring their distinctive value to a wider international audience. Phoenix Go Glocal will also continue to support more Chinese city brands in reaching the world.
Hashtag: #PHOENIXSTAR2026 #PHOENIXTV
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
A New Chapter for Hang Lung's Second-Largest Market in the Chinese Mainland
HONG KONG SAR and SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 September 2026 – Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK Stock Code: 00101) ("Hang Lung" or the "Company") today celebrated the opening of Xi Zhe Wuxi, Curio Collection by Hilton ("Xi Zhe Wuxi"), the crowning addition to Center 66's mixed-use destination. Bringing together retail, office, apartment and hotel components, Center 66 is a cornerstone of the Company's presence in Wuxi, its second-largest market on the Mainland. The arrival of Xi Zhe Wuxi reinforces the complex's role as a regional commercial benchmark, deepening the synergies between Hang Lung's developments in Shanghai, Wuxi, and Hangzhou, further advancing its contribution to the Yangtze River Delta integration.
(From left to right) The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Mr. Derek Pang, Senior Director – Mainland Business Operation, Hang Lung Properties; Mr. Herman Chui, Senior Director – Office, Hotel & Residence, Hang Lung Properties; Mr. Weber Lo, Chief Executive Officer, Hang Lung Properties; Mr. Benny Lee, Vice President Operations, East Greater China & Mongolia, Hilton; Mr. Ma Lin, Area General Manager, Jiangsu South, Hilton; Ms. Winnie Chu, General Manager, Xi Zhe Wuxi, Curio Collection by Hilton
Mr. Weber Lo, Chief Executive Officer of Hang Lung Properties, said, "Hang Lung has built a strong presence in Wuxi for the past 13 years. The grand opening of Xi Zhe Wuxi marks a milestone in Phase Two of Center 66, reflecting the results of our long-term commitment to the city. As the first Curio Collection by Hilton in Hang Lung's portfolio, the hotel brings local culture to life through distinctive hospitality experiences. Leveraging Hilton's operational expertise and international clientele, both parties will create lifestyle synergies and further enhance the overall appeal of Center 66. We are confident that the complex will continue to set the benchmark for premium commercial development in Southern Jiangsu."
Mr. Herman Chui, Senior Director – Office, Hotel & Residence at Hang Lung Properties, said, "Xi Zhe Wuxi fills a long-standing gap in Wuxi's upscale hospitality offering, giving the city a genuine anchor for bespoke travel and business stays. Curio Collection by Hilton complements Center 66 with elevated, individualized service that invites guests to stay longer and explore more of the destination. Equally important is the strength of our partnership with Hilton, whose global clientele mirrors the premium, discerning customer base we have cultivated over the years, opening the door to meaningful cross-brand synergies. Coinciding with Hang Lung's 66th anniversary, Xi Zhe Wuxi marks an important milestone in the evolution of Center 66 ecosystem, which strengthens the appeal and competitiveness of the entire development."
Xi Zhe Wuxi comprises a new building and a historic building, where heritage meets modernity
Located at the heart of the city, Center 66 delivers exceptional vibrancy by seamlessly integrating commerce, culture, and community. At its core, the mall has assembled one of the region's most distinguished luxury portfolios as the only address in Wuxi for boutiques including Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Gucci, etc. It is also home to over 250 international brands, including more than 30 ultra-luxury names and over 100 first-to-market stores.
Xi Zhe Wuxi offers 105 rooms and suites with distinctive atmosphere
Complementing the mall, two Grade-A office towers bring a steady flow of business professionals on weekdays, Center Residences provides a stable residential base, and the newly opened Xi Zhe Wuxi adds hotel guests throughout the week, whether for business or leisure. Together, they foster a diverse community of residents, professionals, shoppers, and visitors, sustaining the complex's vibrancy. This diversity is further amplified by Center 66's reach beyond Wuxi itself, with nearly 30% of visitors traveling in from outside the city — a regional pull made possible by Wuxi's economic strength, with GDP reaching nearly RMB 1.7 trillion in 2025, up 5% year-on-year.
Located on the first floor of Xi Zhe Wuxi, Bistro Sanwei reinterprets Jiangnan flavors in a contemporary style
Xi Zhe Wuxi, the brand's debut in Jiangsu Province, offers 105 rooms and suites across two distinctive buildings: a contemporary wing and a restored heritage residence originally built in 1933 by Wuxi entrepreneur Mr. Zhang Xiaocheng and his sister. The hotel's intimate scale supports a highly personalized guest experience. By weaving heritage and modernity into a single narrative, the two buildings add a strong cultural dimension into Center 66, infusing the complex's retail and business activities with a sense of local history and craftsmanship. Complementing its guestrooms, the hotel features Sanwei Bistro, serving modern Wuxi cuisine; French bistro & bar Now and Then; an indoor swimming pool; and multifunctional spaces for meetings and events.
Xi Zhe Wuxi's indoor sunlit pool boasts ample space and abundant natural light
Mr. Alexander Shockley, Senior Director of Lifestyle & Collection Brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said, "Today's travelers are seeking stays that feel personal, authentic and deeply connected to their destination. Hilton's lifestyle brands are designed to meet these evolving expectations, offering differentiated experiences that give guests the freedom to express themselves, discover local culture and connect in meaningful ways. As we expand our lifestyle portfolio in China, we will continue to strengthen the positioning of our lifestyle brands and bring more distinctive experiences to travelers across the country."
Looking ahead, under its V.3 strategy, Hang Lung will continue investing in its highest-performing assets, with the Center 66 Expansion increasing the mall's retail footprint by 38% and unlocking the next phase of growth for one of the Company's best-performing assets in the Chinese Mainland.
Hashtag: #HangLung
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hang Lung Properties
Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong and Shanghai, the Company manages a portfolio of over 3.6 million square meters of retail, office, residential, and hotel properties across Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.
The Company's diverse portfolio in Hong Kong includes office towers and malls in prime districts, as well as luxury residential developments in prestigious areas. In the Chinese Mainland, under the signature "66" brand, the Company's mixed-use and retail developments are regarded as premium landmarks, strategically located in the hearts of key cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan, and Hangzhou.
The Company is recognized for pioneering sustainability in the real estate industry, with an MSCI ESG rating of AA and inclusion on CDP "A List" for Climate Change. The Company powers 90% of its operating properties in the Chinese Mainland with renewable energy, with a net-zero commitment by 2050.
At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.
For more information, please visit www.hanglung.com.
About Center 66, Wuxi
Center 66 is located in downtown Wuxi, comprising a premium shopping mall, two Grade-A office towers, Center Residences, and Xi Zhe Wuxi, Curio Collection by Hilton, with a total gross floor area of over 600,000 square meters (including Center 66 Expansion).
The mall features over 250 international premium brands, with more than half making their debut in Wuxi or Jiangsu Province. Office Towers 1 and 2 are home to nearly 300 leading domestic and international enterprises, complemented by HANGOUT, Hang Lung's self-operated co-working space designed to meet diverse business needs. Center Residences offers 573 premium units, while Xi Zhe Wuxi, Curio Collection by Hilton comprising a heritage building adds 105 rooms and suites. Center 66 Expansion will expand the total retail footprint of Center 66 by 38%. Seamlessly integrating modern development with cultural preservation, Center 66 incorporates the historic Chenghuang Temple complex, creating a unique blend of commerce, lifestyle, and heritage in the heart of the city.
Center 66 is powered by renewable energy. Its shopping mall, Office Tower 1 and 2 were awarded "Certification under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Core and Shell Development - Gold Level" issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.
** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Center 66 brings together retail, office, apartment and hotel components
