Jing'an District alive with the sound of music

The 2025 Jing'an Music Festival is in full swing, bringing the rhythm of summer to the heart of Shanghai.

As a marquee event of the 36th Shanghai Tourism Festival, the celebration runs through August 30, offering a vibrant lineup of live performances across the district.

The festival launched on July 8 at Phase Live House, where Hong Kong singer Karen Tong, Shanghai artist Yuan Chengjie, and Kunqu artist Zhang Jun headlined a genre-blending opening night.

A standout highlight was the "Waterfront Light & Shadow Live" at the Suzhou Creek riverfront on July 4-8. Iconic works like van Gogh's "Starry Night" and Monet's "Water Lilies" were transformed into animated projections set to live jazz and electronic beats – turning the riverbank into a kaleidoscope of color and sound.

Beyond the big stages, music spills into Jing'an's commercial hubs with performances ranging from jazz and blues to folk, rock and electronic.

Here's what's on:

• Citic Square – Lunchtime Energy Boost: Jazz and blues sets every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 12pm-1pm, through July 25

• Life Hub@Daning – Nighttime Wave Party: Pop concerts from 6:30pm-7:30pm, every Friday; 6pm-8pm, every weekend, through July 20

• Feng Sheng Li Jing'an Temple Square – Jazz Music Center: A perfect blend of Shanghai culture and jazz, 6pm-8pm, July 11

• Jing'an Joy City – Rooftop Sunset Concert: Poetic tunes under the sunset, 6pm-9pm, July 12-13, August 2-3

• Daning Music Plaza – Daning Summer: Friday and Saturday evening shows, 6pm-8pm, July 18-August 2

• Lee Gardens Shanghai – Leisurely Urban Tipsy Night: Blues and rock every Friday and Saturday, with sets from 7pm-8pm, and 9pm-10pm, July 18-26

Whether you're after mellow midday melodies or electrifying summer nights, the Jing'an Music Festival offers a soundscape for every mood – and a beat that brings the district alive.