A bowl of Chinese beef noodles has become a hit in Berlin, with customers lining up with whetted appetites to try it.
Chen Xiang Gui, a Chinese beef noodle chain, moved its headquarters to Shanghai's Hongqiao International Central Business District in 2024 and then began expanding overseas. It entered the European market in 2025 and is preparing to open stores in France, Austria and Poland.
Its founder, Jiang Jun, said Hongqiao has given the company "wings" to expand globally.
Behind this growth is a growing network of professional legal services. The Hongqiao International Central Legal-services District provides Chen Xiang Gui with support in overseas intellectual property protection, international commercial compliance, notarization and dispute resolution.
The district has attracted 188 legal and related service organizations, including law firms, notary offices, mediation organizations and arbitration institutions, since its launch five years ago.
These organizations work together to help companies manage risks and resolve cross-border disputes. For example, lawyers helped a Chinese company challenge the malicious registration of its trademark in Russia. After more than a year of efforts, the registration was cancelled.
Notary services also help companies prepare for overseas business. In one recent case, a notary office completed documents for a Chinese company's German subsidiary in less than 24 hours through a fast-track service.
The district is also strengthening international arbitration and overseas legal cooperation. By bringing different legal services together, Hongqiao is building a one-stop support network to help companies from Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region expand into global markets.
