(Yicai) March 19 -- Shanghai Media Group, this publication's parent company, has launched a new online platform in the run-up to the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai to help the city develop as a global consumer hub.

Moduquan, available on SMG's mobile app Kandongfang, offers a range of services to consumers across five key urban lifestyle areas: culture, tourism, commerce, sports, and exhibitions. These services include ticketing and hotel booking, SMG said at yesterday’s launch event.

The Chinese Grand Prix, which forms part of the Formula One World Championship, will be held at the Shanghai International Circuit in Jiading district from March 21 to 23. It will be the first top-level global event following the debut of Moduquan, with the platform helping boost local consumption, SMG noted.

Moduquan’s arrival ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix reflects China's latest push to boost consumer spending. Earlier this week, the government unveiled an action plan aimed at "vigorously boosting" consumption, which includes expanding spending in the cultural, sports, and tourism sectors, promoting deeper integration of online and offline consumption, and creating innovative, diverse consumption experiences.

Moduquan will offer discounts for tourist attractions, performances, entertainment venues, and restaurants throughout the city. The platform will also promote joint ticketing initiatives to drive traffic between the F1 event and Shanghai’s tourist sites, major performances, and cultural exhibitions. Chinese Grand Prix ticket holders can enjoy extra special deals at some spots.

Shanghai will also host an auto culture festival along with the F1 race, with a range of events blending motorsports with cultural and tourism activities. Jiushi Group, the Chinese Grand Prix’s promoter, is holding a Checkered Flag Carnival at the Shanghai International Circuit and the North Bund this week. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Automobile Museum in Jiading has special activities planned, including an exhibition of antique cars and an auto-themed art show.

"We have about 300,000 to 400,000 visitors a year, and about 50 percent of them are families," the head of the Shanghai Automobile Museum told Yicai. “In the future, we will link more events with museum tourism to co-develop the cultural, tourism, and sports industries.”

Editors: Dou Shicong, Martin Kadiev