Sinan Mansions Becomes a Living Stage for Literature, Art and Culture

The ongoing 2026 Sinan Literature Month has transformed the historic Sinan Mansions area into a large open-air cultural hub. The festival runs through September and offers free entry to the public.

Organizers have planned four theme exhibitions, over 20 literary forums, and more than 10 street performances. The event integrates literature, art, history, local commerce, and nightlife inside the heritage neighborhood.

"We want to bring literature out of books and directly into daily life," said an event organizer. "Visitors can read, listen to music, and experience the cultural pulse of Shanghai in this historic place."

The Sinan Time Zone Gallery is hosting a Lu Xun exhibition to mark his 90th death anniversary. The display features 65 prize-winning books by the celebrated author. The eight interactive sections include a writers' study room, literature cinema, and themed drink bars. Live poetry readings will be broadcast on August 22 and 23.

The "Full Moon Study 2.0" pop-up bookstore at 49 Sinan Road will be open until September 15. This gallery features 180 selected titles from local publishers, including Shanghai Translation Publishing House and Shanghai People's Publishing House.

Additionally, there is a dedicated section called "People and Stories of Shanghai," which showcases historic books, old photographs, and visual records of the city's past.

Over 40 writers from China and abroad, including Hector Abad Faciolince from Colombia and Jeanette Winterson from the United Kingdom, are participating in events under the theme "Generations and Renewal" at Sinan Literature House.

A separate monthly pop-up bookstore by Flower City Publishing House runs until September 6 at Sinan Books. Visitors can explore around 400 titles, collect custom author stamps, create sentence badges, or write letters at a retro writing corner.

Activities extend into the night to connect Sinan Mansions, Fuxing Park, and INS Land. Weekend street performances feature music combined with interactive magic shows, while Sundays feature cappella performances by the Croissant Choir.

Visitors can also register for a digital "Literature Passport" via WeChat without downloading an app. Users scan QR codes at five key spots in the block to play interactive games, collect digital stamps, and unlock discounts at local shops and cafes.

If You Go

Dates: Through September 15, 2026

Admission: Free (Reservation required via the Sinan Mansions WeChat mini-program)

Venue: Sinan Mansions

Address: 505 Fuxing Road M. 复兴中路505号