The May Day holiday is just around the corner, bringing with it a dozen exciting activities to enjoy. One of the main highlights is the launch of Shanghai's iconic Double Five Shopping Festival, offering a next-level experience that blends shopping, entertainment, sports, and more.
From now through the end of June, the city will transform into a vibrant hub of shopping sprees, cultural celebrations, fashion showcases, foodie gatherings, and outdoor adventures.
Whether you're chasing the latest trends, soaking up the festive atmosphere, or uncovering hidden gems, Shanghai's energy is irresistible – and now is the perfect time to experience it.
Sunshine-Filled Days Ahead
Shanghai is set to enjoy mostly sunny and travel-friendly conditions during the five-day May Day holiday from May 1 to 5.
Brief showers or thunderstorms may occur on May 1 and May 5, but the rest of the holiday is expected to be dry and clear, ideal for outdoor activities.
Temperatures will climb during the first half of the holiday, with daytime highs peaking at 33 degrees Celsius on May 3.
A cold front will move in on the afternoon of May 3, bringing cooler daytime highs of 23-25 degrees Celsius on May 4-5.
Strong winds are forecast from the evening of May 2 through May 3.
Gusts may reach Force 6-7 on land, Force 7-8 along riversides, coastal zones, and the Yangtze Estuary, and up to Force 8-9 in offshore areas such as Yangshan Port.
Winds are expected to ease overnight on May 3.
The Shanghai Meteorological Bureau advises residents and visitors to take sun protection measures during the early holiday heat and to stay informed of weather and traffic updates as wind and rain may affect travel plans.
While there might be a brief, light shower on the afternoon of May 1, it won't dampen the festive spirit.
Daytime temperatures will rise steadily, reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius and even peaking around 33 degrees during the May Day holiday.
Meanwhile, the mornings and evenings will stay refreshingly cool, just right for strolls, outdoor dining, and late-night shopping adventures.
Local traffic services
Shanghai's railway stations expect about 4.46 million departures and 4.4 million arrivals during the May Day holiday, both up from last year.
Peak crowds are forecast on May 1, 2, and 5, with over 650,000 passengers each day. Officials urge travelers to plan ahead and steer clear of peak hours.
In response to the large passenger flows, Shanghai Metro will roll out the following measures:
April 30 to May 3: Lines 1 and 10 will extend service until midnight.
May 4 to May 5: Extra trains will run on Lines 1, 2, 10, and 17, covering major hubs like Hongqiao Railway Station, Shanghai Railway Station, and Shanghai South Railway Station. Lines 9 and the Airport Express Line will also be on standby.
April 23 to May 2: The train interval on Line 2 between the National Exhibition and Convention Center and Hongqiao Hub will be reduced to just three minutes.
Additionally, bus services near major railway hubs will increase capacity, while taxi and ride-hailing platforms will dynamically dispatch more vehicles to ensure smooth passenger transfers.
City light-up schedule
There will be no special light shows along the Huangpu River. But Shanghai's iconic sites, including the Bund, North Bund, Lujiazui, and Suzhou Creek, will be illuminated with colorful and dynamic displays.
Check out their schedules here:
Core areas (Bund, North Bund, Lujiazui, and elevated roads shaped like "申")
April 30 to May 5, from 6pm to 11pm
Suzhou Creek waterfront and major commercial hubs
April 30 to May 5, from 6pm to 10:30pm
Major media facades along the Huangpu River
Iconic buildings like Aurora Plaza, Citigroup Tower, Shanghai Tower, and White Magnolia Plaza will display Labor Day-themed videos.
April 30 to May 5, shown every hour and a half from 6pm to 10:30pm
Big Events
Shanghai is buzzing with major events during and after the May Day holiday. Here's a look at the top highlights:
Mariah Carey returns to Shanghai for two epic nights
'Right Here Waiting' for Richard Marx's Shanghai return
Brush up on the extraordinary art of Chen Yifei
'David Hockney: Bigger & Closer' to land at West Bund Museum
'I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture' to be unveiled at PSA
Enter the colorful world of Thailand's Wisut Ponnimit
Where to take your pet this May Day holiday?
Shanghai's floral extravaganza is a fusion of nature and art
Meet-and-Greet at Shanghai Wild Animal Park
2025 Shanghai Longines Global Champions Tour
Magical markets! Explore Shanghai's hidden gems this May Day holiday
Double Five Shopping Festival
1. A City Turned Festival Ground
This season, Shanghai will be transformed into a sprawling festival ground, where energy and excitement ripple through every corner.
Over 1,000 brands and more than 1,000 unique events will ignite the spirit of all 16 districts, turning streets, malls, parks, and even digital platforms into hives of activity.
From world-renowned global names to beloved local favorites, the city offers a dazzling array of experiences and exclusive offers, ensuring that every visitor finds something to fall in love with.
Across the city, unbeatable deals are in full bloom. Enjoy up to 55 percent off at leading flagship stores and boutique brands, while major trade-in incentives make it the perfect moment to upgrade your car, home appliances, or latest gadgets.
Shoppers can also dive into a flurry of digital coupons, flash sales, and exclusive online shopping parties, bringing the excitement of the festival straight to your fingertips.
This spring and summer, Shanghai's most iconic streets will be a living dreamscape, blending shopping, art, and wonder in every step you take.
At the heart of the excitement is the Boutique Business District Festival, where legendary shopping avenues like Nanjing Rd E., Xintiandi, and Lujiazui burst into life.
Expect dazzling floral installations, immersive art exhibits, and surprise pop-up experiences hidden around every corner – perfect for snapping unforgettable photos and discovering exclusive limited-edition treasures.
Each street becomes an open-air stage, blending nature, technology, and commerce into a seamless festival of the senses.
2. Every District, a New Discovery
Huangpu District turns into a floral paradise, with themed shopping tours weaving through both heritage landmarks and trendy boutiques. Imagine strolling past vibrant flower arches, garden-themed markets, and specialty pop-ups offering flower-inspired gourmet treats and handcrafted goods.
And the floral magic doesn't stop there –venues across the city, including hotspots in Xuhui District, are joining in with their own flower displays, street art, and outdoor installations. Together, they weave a colorful, fragrant tapestry that invites you to explore Shanghai in full blossom.
Jing'an District elevates the shopping experience with a creative burst of fashion-forward pop-ups, designer showcases, and artistic collaborations. Leading malls like Plaza 66 and Reel Mall collaborate with high-end brands and emerging designers to host interactive installations and exclusive capsule collections, redefining luxury shopping with a fresh, youthful energy.
Pudong New Area sets its sights on the future, offering futuristic shopping adventures where Disney-themed events take center stage. Expect whimsical décor, immersive digital displays, and exclusive Disney anniversary merchandise launching across malls like IFC and 800 Show, blending fantasy with retail magic for a truly enchanting experience.
From art lovers to trend hunters and family explorers, each district invites you to step into a different world, creating a multi-sensory shopping journey unlike anything Shanghai has ever seen.
Exclusive Disney anniversary merchandise will launch across malls like IFC and 800 Show.
3. Festival within the Festival
1) Shanghai ACG Culture Festival
An explosion of anime, gaming, and pop culture featuring cosplay shows, idol performances, themed installations, and fan-favorite IPs like Reborn! and Zhenhun Street. Don't miss the themed buses and collectible vouchers zipping through the city. It's a Gen Z dream come to life.
Date: April-June
Venue: Wujiaochang, Bailian ZX
Cosplay shows will feature during the Shanghai ACG Culture Festival.
2) Auto Lifestyle Carnival
New car debuts, outdoor exhibitions, test drives, and lifestyle markets, plus up to 10,000 yuan in new car subsidies. Brands like Mercedes, Lexus, Audi, BYD, and Jeep join forces with food trucks and neighborhood fairs to turn car buying into an adventure.
Date: Starting April 30 through the May Day holiday
3) Home Living Refresh Festival
Discover smart home innovations like AI-powered refrigerators, no-wind air conditioners, and elderly-friendly furniture. With government subsidies and top brands offering big discounts, this is the go-to event to upgrade your home in style. This May, nearly 100 top home brands will join forces for the Shanghai Home Appliance & Furniture Carnival from May 1 to 3 at the World Expo Center, and May 31 at the Shanghai Auto Exhibition Center.
4) Shanghai International Coffee Culture Festival
China's largest "Coffee + Culture" carnival! Over 350 booths along a 2.3km waterfront, featuring global coffee brands, music performances, beach bars, drone shows, and interactive installations. Enjoy freebies, tastings, and citywide discounts via Meituan, Alipay, and more.
Date: Now to May 2
Venue: North Bund
This year, the festival is set against a backdrop of fantastic weather, perfect for shopping and exploring the city.
5) Pet Fun Festival
Pet fashion shows, adoption days, themed pop-up markets, and even a global pet championship. A treat for both furry friends and their humans, with fun zones, photo booths, and pet product deals galore.
Date: May-June
Venue: Arch Walk, Changning District
6) Digital Lifestyle Festival
Explore AI-driven retail, livestreamed commerce, digital farming showcases, and foreign trade products brought to the local market. Perfect for tech-savvy consumers seeking innovation and good deals.
7) Cruise Culture & Tourism Festival
Celebrate Shanghai's maritime charm with cruise product debuts, food fests, drone fireworks shows, music performances, and the massive "1000-meter art wall" for children. Bonus: explore the tallest and deepest gardens on the Bund.
Date: April 30-May 20
Venue: Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal
8) Shanghai Sports Consumption Festival
Massive sports carnival with marathons, equestrian shows, esports championships, VR fitness, and gear expos. Family-friendly, tech-forward, and packed with prizes and free classes.
World-class competitions such as the World Rowing Championships, ATP Masters 1000, and Shanghai Marathon will take center stage. Esports, a favorite among young people, will also see a major highlight: the Asia Champions League and global gaming festival DreamHack will debut in Shanghai from May 16 to 18.
Date: Now to November
A Warm Welcome for International Travelers
From May 17 to 19, Shanghai invites you to rediscover its magic with half-price entry to many of its top attractions.
International visitors can indulge in a world-class shopping experience with instant tax refunds available at Shanghai's top malls.
Enjoy seamless mobile payments through Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay, making every purchase effortless.
Plus, take advantage of exclusive tourist perks – from special shopping bonuses and welcome gifts to members-only privileges at luxury destinations Plaza 66, IFC Mall, and BFC. Shanghai rolls out the red carpet for every guest.
International visitors are promised a world-class shopping experience.