The bustling Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall in Shanghai transformed into a vibrant canvas of joy and festivity on Saturday night, marking the grand opening of the 2024 Shanghai Tourism Festival. This annual event, a beacon on Shanghai’s cultural calendar, promises 23 days brimming with excitement, boasting over 200 activities spread across the city. The festival reaffirms Shanghai’s position as a leading global travel destination and a must-visit stop for international tourists.
The festival’s opening ceremony unfolded as a dazzling spectacle. A captivating parade, divided into four chapters, brought together 25 performing troupes from countries like the United States, France, Italy, and Poland. Attendees were treated to an array of magnificent floats, resembling mobile urban museums and grand performance stages.
One particularly captivating float, inspired by the classic Art Deco style, made its debut with elements reflecting the City of Light’s immersive theater. Its design incorporated iconic Shanghai architecture and scenes, adorned with vibrant red drapes and a central Chinese totem, symbolizing the city’s radiant narrative.
The festival’s diverse attractions extend beyond the opening ceremony. The Jilin Province float, utilizing AI technology, recreated a snowy kingdom, while the Dunhuang float showcased cultural motifs like flying Apsaras, anticipating the upcoming ‘The Great Art of Dunhuang’ exhibition at the China Art Museum.
Adding to the international flair, Georgia Pletzer from Austria and her band, who spent nine months preparing, performed traditional folk music, even including a classic Shanghai song in their repertoire. Pletzer expressed her enthusiasm, stating, ‘It’s really amazing to fly to Shanghai and experience this incredible city.’ Maja Olczyk from Poland echoed her sentiments, noting, ‘It’s hot, but the city is beautiful.’
The Shanghai Tourism Festival runs from September 15th to 25th, offering discounted admission to the immersive theater as part of the celebratory events. As the city comes alive with festivities, it’s clear that Shanghai is ready to welcome the world and showcase its vibrant culture and attractions.
