Bund to transform into luminous canvas for light festival

Caption: Shot by Yang Jian. Edited by Yang Jian. Reported by Yang Jian. Subtitles by Yang Jian.

Credit: Yang Jian / Ti Gong

Caption: The Bund will glow with immersive light installations for the annual Shanghai International Light Festival.

The Bund will be illuminated by a series of art exhibitions, poetry recitals, and captivating light installations from Saturday as part of the Shanghai International Light Festival.

The opening ceremony will take place at the Bund Viewing Platform. Children with autism will join the event by lighting up the skyline in a symbolic act.

The organizers said it reflects the festival theme, "Brilliant City, Warm Shanghai." A balloon installation will remain on the Bund until September 28.

On Sunday, a light and art event will invite the public to enjoy literature and visual displays.

Poets and artists will come together for a poetry reading session on October 12, with music, dance and choir performances accompanying them.

The "Secret Realm of Light," a new riverside art installation, will take place near the South Bund financial area from October 13 to 18. It will feature immersive spaces with lighting, sound and interactive designs. The project is designed to provide office workers and nearby residents with a place to relax.

The Shanghai International Light Festival will continue until October 18.

Credit: Ti Gong

Caption: A new art installation at Xintiandi

Professor Lin Yi from Tongji University, who serves as the art consultant for the project, said that the aim is to connect light with human emotions.

"When we see a warm fire, we feel passion. When we see the gentle light of the moon, we feel calm," she explained.

"Our research indicates that different colors of light can affect heart rate, blood pressure, and mood. With this project, we aspire to create a space where people can breathe, relax, and heal through light and sound."

Tao Zhen, the head of Huangpu's lighting management office, mentioned that the Bund programs are designed to illuminate people's lives.

"We want to use warm light to resonate with everyone," he remarked. "There will always be a beam of light available when you need it most."

Tao further noted that the festival also aims to support office workers in the financial district.

"There are over 30,000 white-collar workers in this area. We want to provide them with a space to enjoy the river breeze, listen to music, and feel more connected to the city," he added.