Experts from China and Britain gathered in Shanghai on Wednesday to discuss sustainable waterfront urban development, sharing experiences on ecological restoration and the functional transformation of riverside areas.

The forum brought together academics, architects and business leaders to discuss sustainable approaches to waterfront renewal, with Shanghai's Huangpu River and London's Thames serving as case studies for urban transformation.

Mao Xiangdong, vice-president of the Shanghai Overseas Returned Scholars Association and chairman of its UK chapter, highlighted how Shanghai has transformed the Huangpu River from an industrial corridor into an ecological showcase that now functions as both a cultural hub and innovation center. He noted parallels with London's Thames redevelopment, saying both cities have embraced similar philosophies emphasizing ecological restoration, public access and heritage preservation.

Stuart Dunn, executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai, said the waterfront development experiences of both cities offer valuable lessons for global urban renewal, with significant potential for collaboration in sustainable design and governance.