High-altitude Specialties from Xizang Make Shanghai Debut
Yak jerky, barley flour, seabuckthorn drinks and handmade incense from Shigatse, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, are now being introduced to Shanghai shoppers.
The first-ever "Everest·Shanghai" Shopping Festival kicked off this past Saturday along Yangpu District's vibrant Daxue Road, spotlighting Xizang culinary specialties, traditional handicrafts, and wellness offerings straight from the plateau.
Eight companies from Shigatse are showcasing new products, ranging from culinary delights to cultural treasures. Standouts include traditional string instrument Lazi zhanianqin, Lazi canola oil pressed from highland-grown rapeseed, canned Yadong salmon sourced from the pristine Yarlung Zangbo River basin, and a soothing wormwood herbal care line.
Natural spring water, quinoa, incense, and yak jerky are also being promoted during the event.
The two-day festival, organized by the Yangpu District government and the 11th Shanghai Aid-Xizang Team, aims to support Xizang's local industries and strengthen trade and cultural exchanges between the two regions.
The opening featured the Lazi duixie dance, a national-level intangible cultural heritage performance from Shigatse.
Five social media influencers from Shanghai and Xizang were named "recommendation ambassadors" to promote the products through livestreaming and online campaigns.
A Shanghai-Shigatse consumption aid plan was also announced, covering e-commerce, livestreaming, charity and research cooperation. Meituan and One Foundation will expand their "Playground for Rural Children" program in Shigatse, while the Shanghai Livestream E-commerce Alliance will help connect digital platforms and resources.
Fashion platform Dewu will launch a "Discover Xizang Treasures" campaign to attract young consumers, and Tongji University will assist with product design and packaging improvements.
At the festival, more than 20 stalls and four themed areas displayed Shigatse goods such as barley-based foods, yak meat snacks, canola oil, saffron skincare, herbal sachets, woven scarves and traditional crafts. Visitors can sample the products, watch performances and join livestreams linking Shanghai and Xizang.
Organizers said the event marks the beginning of long-term cooperation. In the next six months, pop-up stores will open at universities and commercial areas across the city. Training sessions will help sellers learn online marketing, video production and cross-region business skills.
Yangpu District and Lazi County in Shigatse have worked together on industrial and social development since 2016. The festival highlights their partnership and celebrates the 30th anniversary of Shanghai's aid program in Xizang, which focuses on industrial growth, cultural exchange, education and rural revitalization.
If you go
Event: Everest·Shanghai Shopping Festival
Dates: Through November 9
Location: Daxue Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai
Admission: Free
Public Transport: Jiangwan Stadium Station, Metro Line 10
