Abstract: In early 2016, the “Beginning of Universe – Project of Writing and Dissemination of Chinese Creation Myths” was launched in Shanghai. In the following years, related activities in a number of areas were carried out. This is important to the construction of Shanghai as an “Outstanding Global City.” A closer look at the robust activities related to creation myth in Shanghai finds the underlying reasons: identification of the dragon culture of Shanghai and consistency of its city origin with that of the whole nation. Furthermore, the spirit of Shanghai is the continuance of the national spirit and cultural memory contained within the creation myths. From rites of the above mentioned activities it can be found that dissemination of creation myths has never stopped in Shanghai, which can be attributed to the influence of writing, exhibition and dramatic production of related themes.

Key words: creation myth, city spirit, cultural identification