CIIE Leisure | Shopping carnival brings fresh launches, global tastes

Shanghai launched the 2025 China International Import Expo Shopping Carnival on Nov 5, spotlighting new retail trends, product debuts, and immersive lifestyle experiences across the city. Built around the theme "Shanghai's five new trends", the event features highlights across five key areas.

1. New Launches, CIIE-Style

​The CIIE Bazaar City Arena on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street showcases select CIIE products. [Photo/cctv.com]

Building on the momentum of the CIIE, Shanghai continues to expand its "First in Shanghai" campaign. New products unveiled at CIIE are now promoted both online and in flagship stores of major brands, including L'Oreal, Ikea, and Uniqlo.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is hosting a CIIE Bazaar City Arena, while Bailian Group presents global premium showcases, featuring select CIIE products.

​New products from Shanghai time-honored brands are displayed at the CIIE's Shanghai Pavilion. [Photo/VCG]

Local trend-driven brands are unveiling over 100 new products at CIIE's Shanghai Pavilion, including co-branded collections and Shanghai-themed gifts. Fashion landmarks such as Zhangyuan, Rockbund, West Bund, Xintiandi, and the First Department Store will stage special product launches and pop-up events.

​​The themed cafe attracts a large number of visitors. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

District-level highlights include:

• Huangpu: Toca Loca pop-up, The Monsters 10th anniversary tour, and China's first Miffy Cafe.

• Jing'an: Estee Lauder's The Ordinary themed pop-up

• Changning: National debut of UK designer brand Fuggler.

• Hongkou: Panpuri's China debut and Decorte's global product launch.

2. New Shopping Experiences & Incentives

The city is rolling out an enhanced tax refund experience, including two tax refund counters at the CIIE venue.

Retail hubs such as Bailian Outlets Plaza, Panlong Tiandi, and Greenland Global Commodity Trading Hub are offering CIIE product discounts with added tax refund perks.

From Nov 7 to 9, the Home Appliance Renewal Carnival will bring together over 150 top brands, including Haier, Gree, and Ecovacs, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, unveiling more than1,000 new products.

E-commerce platforms such as JD.com, Suning, and Pinduoduo are also offering purchase incentives, free installation, extended warranties, and 24-hour service.

Additionally, Shanghai is hosting a Tibetan bazaar featuring specialty products from Shigatse city.

3. Global Tastes, Local Flavors

A curated dining guide features 12 popular restaurants offering signature dishes featured in the hit show Chef of China, turning online buzz into real-world dining excitement.

Meituan's new Global Food Guide covers the top 50 international restaurants in each of Shanghai's 16 districts, providing a one-stop map for global dining in the city.

4. New Supply via E-Commerce

The 2025 Silk Road E-Commerce Month highlights goods from more than 30 partner countries. Themed days feature products from Thailand, Brazil, Australia, and others — ranging from crafts and snacks to wine, dairy, seafood, and fresh produce. Special discounts, livestreams, and limited-time offers are available online.

The 6th Double 11 Livestream Month features major platforms, e-commerce companies, and local brands such as Xinghualou, Shanghai Jahwa, Ganso, Lao Feng Xiang, and more, with themed live sales covering lifestyle, local specialties, and exclusive CIIE products.

5. Travel & Lifestyle Experiences

More than 80 tourism spots, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and historic water towns, are offering exclusive discounts to CIIE badge holders.

Four new trolleybus routes now connect major commercial districts, complementing Line 71, while CIIE participants enjoy free access to 11 sightseeing bus lines during the event.

Five popular night economy hubs, including Xintiandi and West Bund, will host "CIIE Nights", featuring themed concerts, night markets, and exhibitions.

RedNote is launching 10 autumn "City Walk" routes through Shanghai's trendiest neighborhoods.

Furthermore, a new CIIE spillover policy package consolidates benefits such as post-expo sales and tax refund incentives.

For more detailed activities: CIIE Leisure | Shanghai launches citywide shopping, lifestyle carnival