Yoga Life Festival back and bigger than ever

One of Shanghai's most iconic wellness celebrations is back, and bigger than ever.

The 2025 Shanghai Yoga Life Festival returns this summer with a citywide celebration of breath, movement and urban vitality – culminating in a spectacular 200-person yoga gathering beneath the historic arches of the Fairmont Peace Hotel on Nanjing Road.

From June to October, the festival will unfold across landmark rooftops, plazas and historic buildings throughout the Nanjing Road business district, marking the five-year anniversary of what has become a signature moment in Shanghai's lifestyle calendar.

Since 2020, the festival has brought the spirit of International Yoga Day (June 21) to the heart of the city, joining a global tradition seen in places including Times Square and the Eiffel Tower.

This year, the festival returns with 10 unique yoga sessions – three large-scale urban gatherings and seven rooftop flows – available via full access passes or individual tickets. Passholders receive VIP perks, exclusive gifts and discounts on additional sessions as the schedule expands.

Leading the practice is lululemon ambassador and celebrated instructor Seri, joined by an all-star team of yoga mentors. Together, they will guide participants through powerful flows across three iconic venues, transforming everyday cityscapes into sacred spaces of breath and movement. From the glowing landmark at Century Square adorned with mother-of-pearl to the sweeping rooftops of Bund hotels, each session becomes an immersive ritual of awareness.

Special events include the "Sound & Flow" session at the Fairmont Peace Hotel, featuring live performances from Chinese heritage musicians blending guqin (a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument), handpans with piano and shakuhachi (a Japanese flute that originated in China). On June 8, this spiritual concert of movement will gather 200 practitioners in a shared experience of deep listening and collective healing.

On June 7, Century Square's mother-of-pearl mosaic plaza will host two large-scale music yoga sessions at sunset, featuring music from jazz vocals to African drums and Australian didgeridoos. Other themed events include Pamela's wild and whimsical Jungle Yoga in collaboration with sound artists from Yinshan Nature Music Troupe, and a jazz-infused yoga session co-led by singer Jasmine Chen and Y+ Academy's Vanessa Shen.

Date: June to October (main celebration: June 7-8)

Main Venue: Fairmont Peace Hotel 和平饭店

Address: 20 Nanjing Rd E. 南京东路20号

Admission: 199 to 999 yuan (US$27.7-139)