Just a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Shanghai, Qidong in neighboring Jiangsu Province is the perfect place to fulfill your summer fireworks dreams!

Six world-class fireworks teams from Italy, Brazil, Russia, Australia, France and Thailand will compete in a breathtaking showdown over the sea and sky – offering audiences a spectacular and unforgettable fireworks experience that's pure romance.

This thrilling two-day fireworks competition will take place at the Bihaiyinsha (碧海银沙) Scenic Area in Qidong. On August 2, teams from Australia, Brazil and Russia will take the stage, while on August 3, the spotlight will shift to France, Thailand and Italy.

Please note: Through August 8, the scenic area will be closed to regular beach visitors. During this period, only tickets for the fireworks show on August 2 and 3 will be available. Each ticket includes access to a designated seating area for an optimal view of the spectacular sea-based fireworks display.

With an investment of nearly 30 million yuan (US$4.18 million), the event will feature an immersive celebration, combining fireworks, drone shows, live performances, and electronic music parties. The offshore fireworks setup spans over 800 meters, featuring nearly 150,000 customized fireworks, all fired using a precision-controlled computer system. In addition, 5,000 drones will carry fireworks through the air for an unforgettable sky display.

As the host country, China will not compete directly but will participate as a special guest with stunning opening and closing fireworks displays each night, along with four combined drone-and-fireworks shows.

Early bird tickets are now available and can be purchased via the "启东海上生花" (Qidong Haishang Shenghua) WeChat mini-program or their Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) account.

If you go:

Self-driving is the most convenient option. Just navigate to the Bihaiyinsha Scenic Area in Qidong – cross the Chongqi Bridge and you'll be there in no time!

Of course, why stop at fireworks? Turn it into a short getaway and explore the charming coastal city of Qidong in depth.

Jianghai Lanwan Tourism Resort | 江海澜湾旅游度假区

This area features a unique black sand beach, prized for its untouched, raw natural beauty – making it a hidden gem for travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path photo opportunities. Visitors can enjoy ocean views and sunsets, and even go horseback riding along the shoreline.

Yuantuojiao | 圆陀角

Yuantuojiao is China's largest freshwater wetland reserve, covering 477.3 square kilometers. It's also the place where the very first rays of sunshine rise in Jiangsu!

Catching the sunrise at Yuantuojiao has become a must-do ritual for many travelers. During low tide, you can collect seashells along the shore or hop on an ox cart for a taste of traditional coastal life – authentic, charming and unforgettable.

On The Xian Road | 最鲜公路

Recommended by Chinese National Geography magazine, the "On The Xian Road" starts at the northern end of the Chongqi Bridge and winds through multiple scenic spots, ending at Qidong's northernmost point – the Lusi Fishing Port.

If you're a cycling enthusiast, here are two recommended routes:

1. Downtown → Riverside Greenway (滨江绿廊)

This short-distance route is a top choice for cyclists. Starting from Jianghai Road S. (江海南路) and heading south, you'll pass by landmarks like Diehu Park (蝶湖公园) and Poly Theater, taking in the new district's scenery. Tired? Stop at the "I Love Qidong" photo spot or breathe deeply in the Riverside Park, known as a "natural oxygen bar."

2. Riverside Greenway → Hongyang Port (红阳港)

Ride along the river levee to the east – on one side, lush riverside greenery; on the other, the endlessly flowing river. Let nature bring you inner peace.

Tang World | 启唐城

In the evening, take a stroll through Tang World, where history and art intertwine to bring ancient charm to life – offering a timeless blend of heritage and contemporary flair. Dress in traditional Chinese costume for an immersive time-travel experience, enjoy live performances, savor local specialties and discover the unique appeal of Chinese culture.

Lusi Fishing Port | 吕四渔港

No trip to Qidong is complete without seafood! The Lusi Fishing Port is famous for its fresh catches, including hairtail, pomfret, yellow croaker and hundreds of other local delicacies. Qidong's cuisine has earned praise from numerous celebrities and well-known figures across China.