A kaleidoscope of classic tourist events to kick off

The "classic events season" of the 2025 Shanghai Tourism Festival, scheduled to kick off on Saturday, will feature more than 200 activities. Here are some of the highlights:

36th Shanghai Tourism Festival Parade

Twenty-four performance troupes from 15 countries and regions, along with 25 floats, will stage a moving parade to celebrate this "festival for all." The lively atmosphere will create a sea of shared joy and a stage for cultural exchanges between China and the world.

Local floats will highlight the charm of Jiangnan watertowns like Zhujiajiao, Nanxiang and Sijing, as well as scenic spots like Shanghai Wild Animal Park.

From beyond the city, floats from Kashgar, Shigatse and Guoluo will showcase diverse ethnic traditions, while Taipei's float invites visitors to explore its hidden gems. Japan's Kagawa Prefecture will also join as a symbol of cultural exchange.

After the parade, the floats will tour 10 districts across the city, with international performers taking the stage at landmarks including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

Date: September 13

Venue: Zhongshan Road E1

中山东一路

"Legends of Dragon: The Ancient Civilization of Hongshan Culture"

The Hongshan Culture, a brilliant pearl of the Neolithic Age in northern China, originated around 6,500 years ago and reached the ancient state phase around 5,800 years ago. Its advanced sacrificial and ritual system reflects the path and characteristics of the origin of Chinese civilization, serving as the source of Chinese rites and ceremonies.

This exhibition, co-organized by 20 museums and archeological institutions, brings together a century of Hongshan archeological achievements and latest discoveries, illustrating the outlook of Hongshan culture.

Date: Through October 8

Venue: Shanghai Museum East

Address: 1952 Century Avenue, Pudong

浦东世纪大道1952号

"The Spiraling Glory: Treasures from Guyuan, Ningxia"

The exhibition marks a milestone in cultural exchange between eastern and northwestern China. Co-hosted by leading institutions from Shanghai and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the event celebrates the historical ties and mutual inspiration between the regions through over 300 rare artifacts, many unveiled to the public for the first time.

Drawn from prestigious museums and archeological institutes across Guyuan, the exhibition spans from the Western Zhou (1046-771 BC) to the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), reflecting a rich legacy of cultural fusion.

Divided into three sections, it showcases ancient bronzes, glassware, mural paintings, Sogdian burial treasures and Silk Road relics. Highlights include newly excavated Western Zhou bronzeware from the Yaohuayuan site, a Sassanian-style glass bowl, and Sogdian gold ornaments that reveal deep East-West connections.

Date: Through November 17

Venue: Shanghai Museum East

Address: 1952 Century Avenue, Pudong

浦东世纪大道1952号

"Pure by Nature: The Art of Blanc de Chine"

The exhibition at China Art Museum features over 200 fine porcelain pieces, showcasing the beauty, heritage, and contemporary innovation of white porcelain.

It explores the cultural essence and global value of Dehua ceramics. Five master artisans demonstrate traditional techniques such as porcelain painting and sculpting, offering visitors an immersive and hands-on artistic experience.

Date: Through September 19 (closed on Mondays)

Venue: China Art Museum

Address: 205 Shangnan Road, Pudong

浦东上南路205号

Art Bund 2025 Bund International Art Festival

The festival focuses on activities including exhibitions, the 2nd Bund Architecture Festival, the Art Bund Terrace Art Season, and tours. It leverages art to play a core role in stimulating urban consumption vitality and connecting diverse lifestyles.

Date: September 11-November

Venue: The Bund

30th Shanghai International Tea Culture and Tourism Festival

It features activities such as the FUN&IN Market, the "Chinese-Style Tea House" pop-up and a tea expo.

It connects traditional tea culture with modern tea and coffee culture. People can experience intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, sip global tea and coffee, enjoy a leisure lifestyle, and appreciate the unique charm of tea culture.

Date: Through October 6

Venue: Jing'an Park, Fengshengli, Jiuguang Pedestrian Mall

Shanghai Confucius Culture Festival

Focusing on traditional culture, this year's Shanghai Confucius Culture Festival will be held at Jiading Confucian Temple.

It continues classic activities from previous editions, allowing tourists to fully experience the charm of traditional culture and the thousand-year-old heritage of suburban Jiading District.

Date: September 20-October 8

Venue: Jiading Confucian Temple

Address: 183 Nanda Street

嘉定区南大街183号

Fengjing Watertown Wedding Ceremony

Based on traditional weddings, the event replicates the elegance and charm of Jiangnan (regions to the south of the Yangtze River) wedding customs.

In the form of a group wedding, it integrates water town characteristics with classical wedding rituals to deeply showcase the unique wedding culture of Fengjing Ancient Town in suburban Jinshan District.

Date: September 20

Venue: Fengjing Ancient Town

2025 Shanghai Tourism Festival Rose Wedding Ceremony

This event invites couples for romantic citywalks, photo opportunities, and themed wedding ceremonies. It integrates culture, tourism and commerce, creating a Shanghai-style cultural IP that blends heritage with modern trends.

Date: September 20

Venue: Xintiandi

Huangpu Half-Day Citywalk

Based on Huangpu's seasonal routes, this citywalk program offers guided tours by English-speaking guides, allowing inbound tourists to explore the downtown district's urban landscapes and cultural highlights in depth.

Date: September 13-October 6

Venue: Huangpu District

Tip: Those interested can apply at 10 tourist information centers in Huangpu.

12th Fuxing Arts Festival

Marking the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, the festival features cat-themed murals, music performances, walking tours, trendy shop check-ins, limited cultural creations, and markets, integrating music into architecture and daily life.

Date: September 20-October 12

Venue: Hengfu (Hengshan-Fuxing Road) Historical Conservation Zone