Shigatse Brings its Flavors and Traditions to Shanghai

A four-day cultural and consumer carnival is bringing a taste of Shigatse to Shanghai, showcasing the distinctive food, handicrafts, and traditions of the Xizang Autonomous Region in southwest China while seeking to turn growing consumer interest into lasting demand for its products.

The third Zhufeng Shenqing Consumer Carnival, a name reflecting the close ties between Shigatse and Shanghai, will run through Sunday at the south plaza of Global Harbor mall in Putuo District.

Visitors can sample local specialties such as butter coffee, explore traditional thangka painting, and enjoy outdoor film screenings, alongside a range of other cultural activities from Shigatse.

They can observe thangka painters as they work, participate in incense-making and bracelet workshops, and taste sea buckthorn drinks. Tibetan-style tents and rugs create a cozy space for sitting, sipping tea, and engaging in conversation, highlighting the outdoor leisure tradition known as linka.

Other activities include Tibetan clothing try-ons, a Shigatse photography exhibition, and free bead craft sessions. A pavilion devoted to Yadong County features local specialties and tourism displays.

The commercial program features 10 new products and product ranges, including sea buckthorn products, incense-bead bracelets, chili sauce, and Mount Everest souvenirs.

Organizers aim to generate purchases that extend beyond the market's four-day duration. A designated livestreaming area will showcase products available on the Zhufeng Shenqing e-commerce platform, enabling visitors to sample items at the market and place orders online.

Taobao, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu official stores will give producers more channels to sell.

Film is another part of the program. The Qingke open-air cinema, supported by Shanghai Film Group, is screening classic films about Xizang tonight and tomorrow night.

If you go

Dates: Through November 1

Venue: South Plaza, Global Harbor

Address: 3300 Zhongshan Rd N., Putuo District 普陀区中山北路3300号

Metro: Jinshajiang Road Station, Lines 3, 4 and 13

Outdoor film screenings: October 30, 7pm–8:30pm; October 31, 6:30pm–8:30pm