Shanghai Tourism Festival: Classic season unveils 200+ events
english.shanghai.gov.cn2025-09-09 14:50:55
The 36th Shanghai Tourism Festival offers a diverse mix of traditional and modern activities. [Photo/General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
The 36th Shanghai Tourism Festival, running from July 5 to Oct 6, offers a 93-day celebration of culture, innovation, and community engagement. This year, the festival introduces a "one festival, two seasons" model. The summer tourist season, from July 5 to Aug 31, is specially designed for families and students, while the classic activities season, from Sept 1 to Oct 6, showcases traditional events like the grand float parade, alongside six major themed activities that promise a feast for the senses.
Float parade
The highlight of the festival, the classic float parade, will commence with an opening ceremony on the evening of Sept 13 along East Zhongshan Road Number One in Huangpu district. This year's parade features 25 floats from both domestic and international participants, each reflecting unique cultural themes. With performers from 15 countries and regions across 24 teams, the parade offers a vibrant showcase of cultural exchange and friendship through music, dance, and various art forms.
The float parade at the 2024 Shanghai Tourism Festival. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]
Following the grand kickoff, the floats will embark on a tour across 10 districts, including Jing'an and Songjiang, from Sept 14 to 28. In addition, select international performance teams will delight audiences with public performances from Sept 14 to 16 at iconic landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower.
On Oct 6, the closing day of the festival, the floats will embark on a celebratory tour, offering a spectacular finale that blends ancient traditions with modern flair, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors from around the world.
Major themed activities
The classic activities season is organized around six themes: City Tour, Shopping Tour, Culture, Museum & Art Tour, Traditional Chinese Style Trendy Tour, Online Tour, and Rural Fun Tour. Over 200 activities and products offer something for everyone:
City Tour:Immerse yourself in urban tourism, featuring highlights such as travel photography contests, the Putuo traditional Chinese group wedding celebration, and more.
Shopping Tour:Dive into a vibrant consumer paradise, with standout events like the lively Shanghai Oktoberfest and the delectable Jiangnan Food Festival.
Culture, Museum & Art Tour:Discover artistic treasures through high-quality exhibitions and performances, including the Bund Art Festival and Baoshan Long Beach Art Festival.
Traditional Chinese Style Trendy Tour:Celebrate the fusion of intangible cultural heritage and contemporary trends with events like the Nanxiang Guochao Festival and Shanghai International Tea Culture Tourism Festival.
Online Tour:Embrace the future with technology-driven experiences in partnership with platforms like Douyin, Alipay, Meituan, and Ctrip, offering unique online and offline products and activities.
Rural Fun Tour:Explore rural leisure with events such as the Urban Forest Carnival and Fengxian kite-flying event.
2024 Shanghai Oktoberfest, or German beer festival. [Photo/Radisson Collection Hotel]
Half-price tickets
From Sept 13 to 19, visitors can take advantage of a half-price ticket promotion, granting access to over 60 tourist attractions across the city, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Wild Animal Park. This initiative ensures a wide array of special experiences are accessible to all, enhancing the festival's inclusive spirit.
Beyond the highlighted events, this year's tourism festival partners with the Shanghai International Light Festival, the China Shanghai International Arts Festival, and premier international sports events to craft a vibrant tapestry of experiences in Shanghai.
Source: WeChat account of the General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government at "shanghaifabu"