Players from both clubs had their first training sessions at the stadium today ahead of the Kaspersky Cup, AFL Shanghai Showdown this weekend.
They also participated in Auskick clinics at primary schools in Shanghai where they were mobbed by young Chinese children.
This year the AFL started a development program in Shanghai Schools to teach eight- and nine-year-olds the basics of the game. So far about 500 children have participated in the program.
AFL commissioners also inspected Jiangwan Stadium, where goal posts have been erected and AFL staff are making final preparations for the first ever match played in China.
AFL general manager national and international development, David Matthews, said the League was delighted with the venue and looked forward to showcasing Australian football to the people of Shanghai.
"Today was a great opportunity for both teams to have a run at the ground and I think everybody is very pleased with all the work that has been done to transform it into a ground ready for AFL football," he said.
"To see the joy on the young faces of Chinese children when players visited their schools today also gives us a lot of encouragement that people are really starting to embrace Australian football here in China."
On Friday the AFL will conduct a combine at the Shanghai Sports University and on Saturday 12 Australian football teams from the Asia-Pacific region will take part in the Asian championships at Jiangwan Stadium.
The Kaspersky Cup coincides with World Expo in Shanghai at which Australia has a significant presence.
The match will be broadcast live into the Shanghai region on the Mandarin language Great Sports channel. An Australian-Chinese footballer-turned-commentator Jamie Pi will be one of the commentators for the game.
The English-language International Channel Shanghai will also broadcast the Kaspersky Cup live with Brian Taylor one of the commentators. About 8000 people are expected to attend the match.
The AFL recently signed a landmark agreement to broadcast matches live into Shanghai, including the 2010 Toyota AFL Finals Series and Toyota AFL Grand Final. In 2011 one AFL match per week will be televised live in Shanghai on ICS through Australia Network.
