Shanghai Eco Art Festival focuses on sustainability

The third Shanghai Eco-friendly Art Festival has blended art, fashion and technology to boost environmental awareness.

The three-day event at the West Bund in Xuhui District coincides with China's National Ecology Day on Friday and echoes President Xi Jinping's philosophy that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets."

Featuring installations, performances, handicraft displays, and interactive activities, the festival spotlights the connection between culture and sustainability.

Local designer Ye Qing, founder of fashion brand WJX, presented a new art installation titled "Stork Song: Weaving Coexistence."

The work takes inspiration from the oriental stork, an endangered migratory bird once prevalent in Shanghai. The installation incorporates recycled materials, 3D printing and traditional haipai, or the Shanghai-style, crochet to symbolize ecological repair.

During the opening show, performers wore eco-friendly costumes crafted from plant-dyed fabrics and recycled ceramics.

Robots and athletes joined models and children on the stage, all clad in T-shirts printed with stork motifs made from biodegradable fibers.

Ye explained that her work seeks to fuse traditional craftsmanship with modern green design.

"Technology and heritage skills together can create new ways for sustainable fashion," she said.

The festival runs through Sunday at West Bund Orbit, with free admission to the public.

If you go:

Dates: Through August 17

Venue: West Bund Orbit

Address: 3299 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui District

Admission: Free