Shanghai 2026 Hottest & Trendiest Travel Hotspots (Updated Constantly)

Temple tourism has taken off in the past 2 years, with post-90s and post-00s making up half of all visitors. Beyond praying for blessings, young travelers have found a new way to enjoy temples—sipping coffee in ancient sanctuaries. Thailand and China are both doing this, each in its own fascinating way. 🇹🇭 Thailand: cafes growing around historic temples ☕ Riverside cafe cluster by Wat Arun 📍 Bangkok · around Wat Arun · on the Chao Phraya River ✨ Highlights: · Arun Cafe offers a tranquil setting—sip under tropical shade with views of the white prang · Across the river, Vivi The Coffee Place and Before Sunset offer a head-on view of the Temple of Dawn reflected on the water · Before Sunset sits on the 4th floor, with the best views at dusk, often nicknamed the golden hour lookout ☕ PAULETTE — a European-style loft facing Wat Ratchabophit 📍 Bangkok · 65 Fueang Nakhon Rd · 4th floor (near Wat Ratchabophit) ✨ Highlights: · Located on the 4th floor of a classic shophouse, overlooking the royal temple where Thai and European styles blend · Vintage European decor often described as a Paris apartment style · Serves housemade pastries, artisanal ice cream, and specialty coffee ☕ Suva Cafe + the revival of Song Wat Road’s old quarter 📍 Bangkok · 30 Una Gun Rd (near Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing) ✨ Highlights: · Suva Cafe: an Americana retro vibe with surfboard and motorcycle illustrations · Song Wat Rd: century-old warehouses and shophouses transformed into minimalist cafes and creative boutiques · Traditional spice shops, ancestral halls, and cafes coexist; young people map out routes that combine temple-hopping + cafe-hopping 🇨🇳 China: temples opening their own cafes ☕ Cibei Coffee — coffee mystery boxes sold by monks 📍 Hangzhou · Yongfu Temple (inside the Feilai Peak Scenic Area at Lingyin) ✨ Highlights: · Went viral on social media for monks selling coffee · Signature feature: cups printed with random temple blessings, dubbed coffee mystery boxes · A regular on destination best-of lists ☕ Jiafu Coffee — a modern taste in a 1,700-year-old temple 📍 Beijing · Tanzhe Temple (the oldest temple in Beijing) ✨ Highlights: · Launched Jiafu Coffee to attract young visitors · Enjoy a modern coffee in the courtyard of a thousand-year-old temple · In fall, ginkgo season + ancient temple + coffee = the ultimate photo backdrop ☕ Su Coffee — oat milk lattes at a millennia-old temple 📍 Shanghai · Longhua Temple ✨ Highlights: · With over a thousand years of history, Longhua Temple has a beverage window in its Longhua vegetarian dining area · Serves Americanos and lattes; lattes are made with oat milk, suitable for vegetarians · Cups feature Longhua Temple and Longhua Pagoda motifs, making great keepsakes ☕ Jianfo Coffee — a zen-minded cup at a thousand-year-old temple 📍 Taizhou · Longxing Temple ✨ Highlights: · Longxing Temple is a millennia-old sanctuary in Taizhou · A temple-run cafe named Jianfo · Sip coffee in an ancient temple where zen meets everyday life 💬 In Thailand, cafes cluster around historic temples and preserve original architecture. In China, temples are innovating with coffee and cultural products. Different approaches, same aim: helping young people find a place of calm within tradition.

The POP MART City Park Carnival has arrived at Shanghai's Oriental Pearl Tower, kicking off a lively treasure-hunt adventure. 🎡 Fun interactions and immersive play The entire plaza at the base of the tower has been transformed, with playful interactive moments and immersive experiences throughout. Unlock surprise photo ops as you explore and melt away your fatigue. 🍰 Sweet surprises Delicious, photogenic desserts add a sweet vibe to the event and have become unmissable photo highlights. ⏰ Dates: Aug 31, 2026–Nov 1, 2026 Head to the Oriental Pearl Tower to join the POP MART City Park Carnival and set off on a magical treasure-hunt journey!

Shanghai Disney Resort is launching a limited-time "National Day Holiday Special" fireworks show, adding an extra surprise to your holiday nights. 🎆 National Day Holiday Special limited-time fireworks show October 1–3, 2026, after "Ignite the Dream – A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light" and "Magic All Around: 10th Birthday Special Celebration," the limited-time "National Day Holiday Special" will light up the Gardens of Imagination with a special fireworks show. Dazzling fireworks will burst across the night sky, creating a visual feast and adding extra delight to every night of the holiday. 🌟 Best viewing spots for the fireworks 📍 Gardens of Imagination: We first recommend the center area directly facing the castle, where you can clearly see the fireworks and fountains ⛲ and feel the brilliance up close. The lakeside is also great, where you can catch the fireworks reflected on the water. 📍 Outside Tangled Tree Tavern: Great for large celebratory fireworks such as New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, National Day, and Halloween. 📍 Open area near the Recruitment Center in Shanghai Disney Zootopia: Enjoy the fireworks with Zootopia's nighttime skyline as the backdrop—it’s a stunning view. Come to Shanghai Disney Resort to experience the magic and surprises of the National Day special fireworks show!

CHIIKAWA DAYS special exhibition in Shanghai, landing at Jing An Kerry Centre from Sep 12–Nov 1. Ticketed exhibition area + pop-up store—get your fill in one visit. 🎟 How to choose between 2 ticket types Premium bundle: Exhibition admission ×1 Pop-up store shopping experience ×1 Full set of 9 character name-badge charms ×1 RFID light-up "Extermination Baton" ×1 (style selected at random) Standard ticket: Exhibition admission ×1 Pop-up store shopping experience ×1 Character name-badge charm ×1 (style selected at random) Pick the premium bundle if you want the full merch set. Choose the standard ticket for a lighter visit. 🎈 Sep 5 special preview event Time: Sep 5, 2026 (Sat) 11:00 AM–7:00 PM Location: Jing An Kerry Centre, Shanghai · Anyi Road outdoor "Super-Sized Food Forest" Highlights: 1. 9 giant Chiikawa food-themed inflatable photo spots (1 day only) 2. Character meet and greet 3. On-site distribution of character paper hats (register in advance via the Jing An Kerry Centre mini program and follow on-site instructions to collect) 🎁 Opening phase entry gift Enter between Sep 12–Sep 20 to receive an extra Shanghai-themed sticker set ×1. Gifts for later phases will be announced. 📍 Useful info Location: Jing An Kerry Centre JAKC Exhibition dates: Sep 12 (Sat)–Nov 1 (Sun), 2026 On sale: Sep 5, 2:00 PM 💡 Set a reminder! Sales open at 2:00 PM on Sep 5. Be ready to move fast. Opening day also comes with exclusive gifts—the earlier you go, the better!

Shanghai Star "STAYREAL | Wangyue limited-time themed cruise" is back with an upgraded experience, themed "Moon over the sea," for a moonlit journey on the Huangpu River. 🛳 Shanghai Star "STAYREAL | Wangyue limited-time themed cruise" 📍 Location: Tourist Wharf, No. 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai A 7m giant moon and a Bubu bunny installation at the pier offer a free photo op. Come at blue hour—the Lujiazui Area skyline makes a stunning backdrop and your photos will look great. 🚢 A 50-minute cruise Wangyue departs from the Oriental Pearl Cruise Terminal, passing the Lujiazui Area skyscrapers → The Bund’s historic buildings → Garden Bridge, with both shores unfolding before your eyes. There is a letter-writing desk on board where you can write Mid-Autumn messages, adding to the festive vibe. 🎁 Get the full set of limited boarding gifts Your ticket includes: Kaleidoscope ×1 Wax seal sticker set ×1 Themed souvenir postcard ×1 Limited commemorative ferry ticket ×1 🛍️ Triple gifts with purchase at the limited-time shop Spend 99 to get a woven tote/329 to get a Shanghai limited-edition badge/999 to get a plaid shoulder bag. Gifts are limited and available while supplies last. 📍 Practical information Sailings: from Aug 29; actual times are subject to the day’s schedule. Pier: Oriental Pearl Cruise Terminal, an 8-minute walk from Lujiazui Station on subway Line 2. What to wear: light colors/new Chinese style; it’s breezy by the river, so bring a light jacket. 💡 Worth a visit even if you don’t board The giant moon installation at the pier is free to photograph. Bring family and friends for a riverside stroll to enjoy the moon and savor Mid-Autumn romance. Come aboard Shanghai Star "STAYREAL | Wangyue limited-time themed cruise" and join Bubu for a moonlit journey on the Huangpu River.

Shanghai in September, even the autumn breeze is rushing from one event to the next. 1️⃣ 🏛️ Imperial treasures from the Qianlong reign head south: 121 national treasures gather in Fengxian Brilliance of treasures: special exhibition of Qianlong-period artifacts from The Palace Museum The Palace Museum has brought 18th-century Forbidden City aesthetics to Fengxian, Shanghai. A total of 121 pieces (or sets) spanning jade, calligraphy and painting, Western clocks, and enamel porcelain unfold across three sections: order, civil and martial virtues, and masterful craftsmanship. The showstopper is a recreated Throne Room: with folding screens, palace fans, and incense stands fully staged, stepping in feels like time travel. Newly added: a Ming-dynasty calligraphy and painting highlight—Zhang Bi’s Cursive Script Poem Scroll returns to its Fengxian homeland after centuries, making this a momentous homecoming. Before you leave, swing by the first-floor cafe for sea salt cheese ice cream inspired by cultural themes and a celadon mousse—perfect for photos. 📍 Fengxian Museum (333 Hupan Rd) ⏰ Tue–Sun 9:00 AM–4:30 PM, closed Mon 2️⃣ 🎨 ART PLUS Art Shanghai — exploring the boundaries of art A global art feast at ShangHai ShiMao ZhanGuan Sep 4–6, over 100 art institutions from 16 countries and 40 cities gather. With the theme “Play to the fullest—everything is art,” this goes far beyond viewing paintings: AI art, a Jingdezhen intangible cultural heritage porcelain zone, an overseas independent artist section, and a lifestyle aesthetics market span the full spectrum—from collectible works to take-home treasures—unlocking the entire art consumption journey. Highlights: the debut of an AI art track (human–machine co-creation) and a China–Europe young artists joint exhibition—highly Instagrammable. 📍 ShangHai ShiMao ZhanGuan ⏰ Sep 4–6 3️⃣ 🚴 Tour of Shanghai New Cities — high-speed cycling across five new towns September’s most electrifying sports event for pros and amateurs Sep 4–6, three stages covering nearly 300 km bring together 20 elite pro teams from China and abroad, with top riders converging on Shanghai’s five new towns. The grand finale runs on the Fengxian–Nanhui stage, where the champion will be crowned. Everyone can join the cycling fun—on weekends without races, hop on your own bike. Tied to the race, Fengxian also offers a sci-fi museum experience (“By the Water” immersive cosmic adventure), a Ferris wheel sunset ride, and seafood feasts. 📍 Five new-town stages, with Fengxian as the final stop ⏰ Sep 4–6 💡 Watch the race + ride the routes + enjoy a 2-day Fengxian trip—all in one 4️⃣ 🏠 Modern Shanghai Design Week — a 350,000 m² universe of design Over 3,200 brands, four themed halls, one of Asia’s top design platforms Sep 7–10 at Shanghai Expo Exhibition and Convention Center in Pudong. Theme: “Design, unlimited possibilities.” Soft furnishings, innovative materials, the fragrance economy, intangible heritage crafts, and AI design trends gather under one roof. Six immersive special exhibitions anchor the event: Zen Tea Nook · In Chun Alley (an immersive Eastern aesthetics experience), a full-scale modern luxury home, Scented Garden (the entire fragrance economy chain), Intangible Heritage Institute, and more. A must for designers, yet casual visitors will also find plenty to love. 📍 Shanghai Expo Exhibition and Convention Center (Pudong) ⏰ Sep 7–10 💡 Reserve visitor tickets in advance and join interactive experiences on-site 5️⃣ 🎷 Qiantan Life Festival — unwind on the waterfront Blooming floral scenes + radiant light art + riverfront music + trendy markets, all unlocked at once Kicking off Sep 20 and spanning both the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, this city-scale lifestyle festival by Lujiazui Group blankets the entire Qiantan area with floral landscapes, light installations, riverside music, and fashion-forward markets. All outdoor performances and markets are free. This is also the home base for the 2026 Shanghai Jazz Festival (starting Oct 16), featuring artists from 20+ countries, over 100 musicians, 146 performances, and 13 connected venues—warm-up in September, then go big in October. 📍 Qiantan area (Qiantan Sports Park, Park Lane, Leisure Park, Crystal Plaza Qiantan, and more) ⏰ Opens Sep 20, runs through Nov 1 💰 Outdoor shows and markets are free 6️⃣ 🎪 Ongoing markets across commercial hubs — drop in anytime September markets across Shanghai keep buzzing: Nanjing East Rd × Liuhe Rd Italian Festival (Aug 22–Nov 15) — Italian vibes + creative goods, a prime spot on Nanjing East Rd Changning CapitaMall — Bread Fantasy Week (through Nov) — heaven for bread lovers Baoshan U Center — Fragrant Creations Market (through Oct) — aromatherapy + creative goods + handicrafts North Bund Jinmao Lifestyle Center (through Oct) — river views + creative goods Paris Spring on Chengshan Rd — Creative Market (through Nov) — Pudong’s newest photo spot 💡 Pro tips Sep 4–6 is prime time — the cycling race and Art Shanghai run together, so plan a one-day route: “Watch the race in Fengxian → see the fair at ShiMao” Book the Palace Museum’s Qianlong exhibition early — 121 national-treasure-level artifacts; hot shows won’t wait Bundle the Qiantan Life Festival + the jazz festival — opening Sep 20, free outdoors; ideal for a weekend of riverside cycling + picnics + jazz Design Week is for designers — 350,000 m² is a lot; bring a hit list to focus, while casual visitors can cover it in half a day Markets in commercial hubs are easy add-ons — no time limits or barriers; swing by after work In September, from the riverside to the new towns, from national treasures to jazz, from fresh bread to the stars—this city’s fall is worth a few extra trips. 🍂✨

In September 2026, the Sheshan Resort Area kicks off its fall season with a full slate of events, including night tours, a waterlily showcase, a trend play fest, and a forest tourism season, bringing travelers a feast of fall experiences. 📍 Resort area info - Name: Sheshan Resort Area - Start date: from September 2026 - Location: Sheshan, Shanghai - Highlights: nighttime light waves, waterlily showcase, trend play fest, forest tourism season ✨ Key highlights: - Light Wave Night Art Fest: Held at Yuehu · Jigao Tuwowo PANCOAT Park from now through September 30, 2026 (weekends and public holidays), with a fantasy mushroom sprite parade, a classic water-splash party, and a romantic thousand-lantern blessing lighting up early fall nights. - Waterlily diversity showcase: Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, from now through September 20, 2026, features 280+ waterlily varieties. Seven themed zones link the garden’s waterways, and Chenshan’s new in-house cultivars make their global debut. - Wonder Trend Play Fest: Shanghai Happy Valley, September 12–November 15, 2026, daily 4:00 PM–9:00 PM. Four emotion-themed zones, a Valley coin system, and a troupe of 100+ NPCs deliver an immersive trend play experience. - Cute Sprite Game Party: Shanghai Shimao Elf City Theme Park, September 19–October 31, 2026, with Smurfs-themed challenges, eight game instances, and customized merchandise drops. - Forest tourism season: Sheshan National Forest Park, September 25–October 25, 2026, offers immersive experiences of Sheshan’s natural scenery and cultural heritage. - Nature living season: Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, October 1–October 7, 2026, features fall flower and fruit displays, live music, a cultural and creative market, and popular science fairs. - Super Influencer Festival: Shanghai Happy Valley, October 1–October 7, 2026, with Super Wings–themed activities and the opening of a space base, combining family fun and a trend showcase. 📌 Travel recommendation: The Sheshan Resort Area’s fall events are ideal for family-friendly trips, groups of friends, or solo travelers. The rich lineup and diverse experiences will make for unforgettable fall memories. Head to the Sheshan Resort Area and unlock your perfect fall adventure!

During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays in 2026, the second "Nanmen Shiguangli" Night Market will light up the Bayi Road Pedestrian Street in Chengqiao Town (from Xinchong North Road to Xinchong South Road). With the theme "Nanmen Shiguangli," this year’s market blends lively activities and a nostalgic vibe to help visitors relive warm memories. 🎥 Nostalgia-themed experiences A special nostalgia gallery features vintage items and classic scenes. Enjoy open-air classic films, a retro snack shop, a cassette wall reminiscent of old record stores, and more to spark memories of days gone by. 🎤 Stage performances Catch daily shows on the main stage, while a retro mini stage brings intimate street busking performances that add an artistic touch to the night market. 🍢 Street food market Savor a street food market filled with food trucks, local specialties, trending snacks, and signature drinks to satisfy every foodie. 🎨 Creative fair Discover a creative fair focused on handcrafts, intangible cultural heritage crafts, traditional Chinese style, and family-friendly DIY, showcasing the perfect blend of skill and imagination. 🎠 Kids’ fun zone Find a dedicated kids’ fun zone with ring toss, goldfish scooping, sachet-making, sand painting, and light sports, so both adults and children can enjoy their own moments of joy. 🛍 Supply-and-marketing market Centered on the Bayi Road supply-and-marketing market, the event showcases premium specialties from Chongming and across China, bringing authentic flavors and distinctive goods. ⏰ Dates: Sep 29–Oct 5, 2026 💡 Travel tip: Plan your trip in advance. Crowds are large during the double holiday period. Come to the Nanmen Shiguangli Night Market and enjoy the warm glow where nostalgia meets vibrant street life!

From Bangkok to Beijing, from Chiang Mai to Yunnan, from Thailand to China, temples are becoming hot destinations for a new generation of travelers. It is not just about seeking blessings. Many young people are drawn to pause before millennia-old architecture for a true mental reset and cultural experience. So, what makes each of these temples worth a special trip? 🙏 Erawan Shrine in Bangkok · The city’s most popular place to make a wish The four faces oversee career, love, wealth, and health. To complete the rite, pray at all four sides in a clockwise order. State your name and birth date when making a wish, and say how you plan to give thanks if it comes true. From early morning to late night, it is packed with worshippers and steeped in ritual. 🤫 People say wishes are granted, but be sure to return to give thanks. ⛰️ Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai · Buddha relics in a mountaintop golden stupa Perched atop Doi Suthep overlooking Chiang Mai. First, climb 306 steps flanked by seven-headed naga carvings; the ascent feels like a spiritual practice in itself. The golden stupa enshrines Buddha relics and dazzles in the sun. After paying respects, you can ask a monk to sprinkle holy water and tie a white string bracelet for blessings. 🤫 Said to be especially auspicious for wisdom and future prospects. 🏯 Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou · A visual feast of Zen aesthetics Nearly 1,700 years old and built beside Feilai Peak, it is a spiritual heartland of Chinese Chan (Zen) culture. The appeal goes beyond the architecture to an experience where landscape and practice become one. The hike to pay respects feels like meditation, and the ancient temple amid mountains and water calms the mind. 🤫 Said to be especially effective for promotion and career. 🌸 Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple · A quiet refuge in the city A rare pocket of tranquility amid the bustle, its architecture blends Chinese and Western aesthetics, and three Burmese jade Buddha statues showcase exquisite craftsmanship. Browse the wish cards in the prayer area and you will see it is more than a place of faith—it is a space where strangers share resonant hopes. 🤫 Many visitors say it is especially effective for blessings of romance and marriage. 🏔️ Songzanlin Monastery in Yunnan · A spiritual immersion on the plateau Dubbed the Little Potala Palace, set on a 3,380m plateau, this Gelug monastery embodies the grandeur of faith in its architecture. Do not miss spinning the prayer wheels—joining the communal prayer ritual in the thin, high-altitude air lets you feel the power of faith. 🤫 No wonder many say it is especially good for prayers for safety and health. 👑 Lama Temple in Beijing · Where imperial culture meets religious art Once an imperial residence, it is now Beijing’s largest Tibetan Buddhist temple. The complex itself is a living history of architecture. The temple’s three masterful woodcarvings showcase the height of ancient craftsmanship, and the treasure basin before the Hall of the Dharma Wheel was used to bathe the newborn Qianlong Emperor. 🤫 Said to be especially effective for wealth and career luck. Instead of fixating on what to ask for, go to experience the centuries of culture and exquisite craftsmanship within these temples. The feeling it awakens is the best thing to take home.

Huangpu District has launched a diverse arts-and-culture stroll program featuring art exhibitions, outdoor performances, nighttime walks in shopping areas, and summer lotus viewing. Spend the day at exhibitions and parks, then enjoy evening strolls and performances. 🖼 atop the world tree: a grand exhibition of ancient American civilizations ⏰ Dates: Jul 18, 2026–Nov 14, 2027 ⏰ Business hours: evening session this week 5:00 PM–9:00 PM 📍 Location: Shanghai Museum (201 Renmin Avenue) ✨ Highlights: • Rare artifacts from ancient American civilizations, including the Maya and the Inca. • Immersive experiences that unlock the mystery of faraway cultures. • A rich, atmospheric vibe for nighttime viewing. 🖼 glass in tension: a flowing Venetian carnival ⏰ Dates: Jul 18, 2026–Oct 18, 2026 📍 Location: Bund One Art Museum (2F, 1 Zhongshan East 1st Road) ✨ Highlights: • Dreamy glass art set against stunning river views. • Striking light and shadow for effortlessly cinematic photos. 🌸 people’s park lotus pond 📍 Location: inside People’s Park, 231 Nanjing West Road ✨ Highlights: • A hidden gem for lotus viewing in the city center with a tranquil, breezy pond. • Lush green leaves and pink blooms in perfect layers—great from any angle. ⏰ Timing: peak lotus bloom season ⏰ Business hours: open all day 🌸 fuxing park lotus pond 📍 Location: inside Fuxing Park, 516 Fuxing Middle Road ✨ Highlights: • A century-old French-style garden paired with an elegant lotus pond for a unique East-meets-West charm. • A serene summer hideaway in the bustling city with classic, ink-wash vibes and lush greenery. ⏰ Timing: peak lotus bloom season ⏰ Business hours: open all day 💡 Travel tips: some venues require advance tickets, so plan your itinerary accordingly. In summer, use sun protection and stay hydrated. Come to Huangpu District and unlock a soothing summer arts-and-culture stroll!

Late summer to early fall is peak season for spider lilies in many Shanghai parks. Clusters of red, yellow, and pink blooms light up the woods, creating a uniquely romantic vibe. 🌳 Shanghai Botanical Garden ⏰ Time: late August to mid-September 📍 Location: No. 997 Longwu Road, Xuhui District ✨ Highlights: • Under the maple grove: golden spider lilies sway in the breeze, their curling petals unfurling like golden sprites. • Peony Pavilion: pink-hued spider lilies burst into bloom, setting a soft, gentle mood. • Dawn redwood avenue: sunlight spills across the petals; stroll the woodland paths for a truly poetic scene. 🌲 Binjiang Forest Park ⏰ Time: late August to mid-September 📍 Location: No. 3 Gaoshatan, Lingqiao, Gaoqiao Town, Pudong New Area ✨ Highlights: • Bright yellow spider lilies: scattered through the woods, lively and refined, adding a tranquil charm. • Slender flower stalks: long, leafless stems hold crystal-clear blossoms with a distinctive grace. • Dappled light: fine rays of sun dance across the flower stems, cool and elegant. 🌼 Huakai Haishang Ecological Park ⏰ Time: late August to mid-September 📍 Location: No. 6060, Group 6, Xiujing Village, Jinshan District ✨ Highlights: • Woodland spider lilies: upright stems, blooms both vibrant and tender. • Variegated spider lilies: pinkish purple petals washed with misty blue, a serene blend of warm and cool. 🏯 Guyi Garden ⏰ Time: late August to mid-September 📍 Location: No. 218 Huyi Highway, Nanxiang Town, Jiading District ✨ Highlights: • Three-color spider lilies: pink, yellow, and red open in turn, graceful and atmospheric. • Red spider lily and golden spider lily: blazing crimson and bright yellow, each with its own character. • Classical garden: pavilions and towers set off seas of spider lilies for an elegant romance. 🌳 Shanghai Gongqing Forest Park ⏰ Time: late August to mid-September 📍 Location: No. 2000 Jungong Road, Yangpu District ✨ Highlights: • Multiple varieties: about 9 varieties planted across approx. 20,000 sq m. • Peak bloom: along bravery trail, on the south side of the children's play area, and around the climbing area, dense stands of flower stalks create a multicolored velvet carpet from afar. 🌲 Minhang Sports Park ⏰ Time: late August to mid-September 📍 Location: No. 456 Xinzhen Road, Minhang District ✨ Highlights: • Red spider lilies: at peak, flower stalks break through the soil, with dragon-claw petals curling boldly. • Fantastical wonderland: in the dusky woodland light, blooms dance lightly in the breeze like something out of a fairytale. 💡 Travel tips: wear comfortable walking shoes, hydrate as needed, and protect against sun and mosquitoes. Head to these parks in Shanghai to soak up the romantic charm of the spider lily seas!

The Qingpu venue of the 3rd Shanghai International Light and Shadow Festival, themed "Light and shadow empower six key sectors, and sci-tech innovation lights up the water town," will run from September 21–October 7, 2026, featuring a rich lineup of light-based experiences across Qingpu’s diverse industries. 🏯 Main venue: Bailian Outlets Plaza Qingpu ⏰ Dates: September 21–October 7, 2026 ✨ Highlights: • Opening ceremony: September 21, 2026, 7:00 PM. • Light installations including the Songze culture wall, Glow Forest, and Glimmer Transmission pieces. • "Dongpo: Into the Dream" signature light show, blending Qingpu culture with cutting-edge tech. 🏘 Zhujiajiao Ancient Town lightscape ⏰ Dates: September 21–October 7, 2026 ✨ Highlights: • Town-wide lightscape activations showcasing the charm of the water town. 🌾 Cenbu Village fields of light ⏰ Dates: September 21–October 7, 2026 ✨ Highlights: • Field-based lightscape collaborations that connect nature and technology. 🌊 Hemu Water Street fall night tour ⏰ Dates: September 21–October 7, 2026 ✨ Highlights: • Night tours along the water street with light elements that create a seasonal fall vibe. 🌸 Hongqiao Flower Valley creative flower market ⏰ Dates: September 21–October 7, 2026 ✨ Highlights: • A flower-themed creative market that merges light art with a makers’ bazaar. 🎡 Panlong Tiandi nighttime park experience ⏰ Dates: September 21–October 7, 2026 ✨ Highlights: • A playful park experience that combines light art with garden-style activities. Head to Qingpu and unlock colorful experiences at the Shanghai International Light and Shadow Festival!

In September 2026, Shanghai Disney Resort is partnering with Shanghai Animation Film Studio, Jingdezhen, and the Shanghai Huju Opera Theatre to launch new experiences that blend Disney stories with traditional Chinese culture. 🎥 Duffy and Friends' little adventure ✨ Highlights: • A short film that pairs the classic animation aesthetics of Shanghai Animation Film Studio with Duffy’s heartwarming story. • Re-creations of iconic scenes from "Havoc in Heaven" and "Calabash Brothers." • Watercolor, ink wash, gouache, and paper-cutting techniques evoke a classic Chinese landscape style. 🎨 Jingdezhen ceramic art and Disney merchandise ✨ Highlights: • A range of products that fuse traditional porcelain craftsmanship with Disney storytelling. • The merchandise team visited Jingdezhen to collaborate with master artisans. • Each piece blends the depth of Chinese traditional culture with Disney’s magical tales. 🎭 Duffy and Friends' boat journey ⏰ Time: Every Saturday and Sunday starting Sep 5, 2026 ✨ Highlights: • Original songs that weave in the traditional "Xianhua Diao" melody and folk instruments. • Stage design featuring lantern art, bamboo weaving, and tie-dye elements. • A special Huju Opera show where rising young actors from the theatre perform "Shanghai Ballad." 💡 Travel tip: Plan your weekend itinerary in advance to avoid peak hours. Come to Shanghai Disney Resort to experience the magical meeting of Disney and Chinese traditions!

The blockbuster National Treasures exhibition "a home of qianjin — the aesthetics and making of life at the Mawangdui Han Tombs" has opened at the Shanghai Art Museum, marking the largest and highest-level out-of-province showcase in more than 50 years of archaeological research on the Mawangdui Han Tombs. The exhibition title "a home of qianjin" draws inspiration from the "qianjin" sash, using the word to explore what "precious" truly means in traditional Chinese culture—not just money, but the value of life, virtue, and time ✨ 🔥Exhibition highlights ✨3 firsts First joint display of mother-and-son T-shaped silk banners 🔸T-shaped silk banner from Mawangdui Tomb No. 1 (on display: July 3–August 16, 2025) 🔸T-shaped silk banner from Mawangdui Tomb No. 3 (on display: August 18–October 7, 2025) First public display Yellow-brown damask seat cushion with opposing-bird rhombus pattern and "riding the clouds" embroidery First out-of-province display Rhombus-patterned damask robe fragment in silk floss inscribed with the phrase "peace, fulfillment, longevity, and boundlessness"; painted double-layer rectangular lacquer cosmetic case; wave-and-bend patterned "qianjin" sash. ✨Three sections: 🔸The eye of patterns: see how people in the Han dynasty used cloud motifs and bird-and-beast designs to convey meaning through ornament. 🔸The order of utensils: a reconstruction of aristocratic etiquette for dining, drinking, sitting, and reclining, including the "seven ding" rule for lords. 🔸Heaven and humanity: wellness, transcendence, and cosmology, plus a video experience of the T-shaped silk banner. A home of qianjin • Mawangdui special exhibition 📍 205 Shangnan Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai Shanghai Art Museum (China Art Museum) 📆 July 3–October 7, 2025

Kangaroo Hill at Shanghai Wild Animal Park is home to red kangaroos, and its muscle man Gangzi has become a crowd favorite for his uniquely laid-back vibe and unexpectedly cute side. Gangzi is the leader of the red kangaroo group. He stands 1.8m tall and weighs 80 kg. His powerful tail and ripped muscles give him an imposing look. However, this tough guy has a lazy streak that’s nothing like his appearance. He often reclines on his side at a 45-degree angle, eyes half open and a forepaw half raised, the picture of calm and ease. 🐾 Gangzi’s daily life Red kangaroos are the largest species in the kangaroo family, and Gangzi, in his prime, is tall and incredibly strong. His tail is not only powerful but can support his whole body, and when he leaps, he springs with explosive force. But don’t be fooled by his looks—Gangzi is a night owl. He needs 10 hours of sleep during the day and spends much of the remaining time dozing on and off. Dusk and night are when he’s most active. His daytime slacking is simply part of his routine. 🌞 Gangzi’s charming contrast At Kangaroo Hill, Gangzi puts on a daily show of adorable contrasts. At dawn, he strolls along the slope to patrol his territory, scratching at the ground with his forepaws to leave scent marks, as precise as if performing a ritual. When choosing a spot to lie down, he pats the ground with his forelimbs to test the temperature: in the morning he sunbathes on his side, at midday he leans back to warm his belly, and in the afternoon he switches sides—his very own kangaroo clock. While basking, he crosses his hands under his head like a pillow or lies on his back for a good scratch. He’ll even dig a shallow pit in the sand for a massage bed. His sense of comfort and ease is irresistibly amusing. 🦘 Up-close kangaroo encounters Kangaroo Hill isn’t just Gangzi’s home. Over 30 red and gray kangaroos live here. As one of Shanghai Wild Animal Park’s signature immersive exhibits, it invites visitors into the kangaroos’ habitat for close-up encounters. You can shake a paw with Gangzi and feel both his strength and gentleness. You can also take a closer look at a mother’s pouch and learn the secrets of a joey’s growth. On a sunny afternoon, step into Kangaroo Hill to enjoy interacting with these big guys—you might even catch one of Gangzi’s delightfully relaxed moments. Come to Kangaroo Hill at Shanghai Wild Animal Park and experience the charm of relaxation and contrast with muscle man Gangzi.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium’s harbor seal sisters finally have names! After a public vote, they’ve been named “Tiaotou Cake” and “Shuangniang Tuan.” Both names are inspired by classic Shanghai pastries and capture the sisters’ unique looks and personalities. 🦭 Older sister “Tiaotou Cake” Tiaotou Cake is slender with an oval face. She’s a little slow to warm up and often hides in the corner observing everything around her, radiating a gentle, introverted charm. Her name comes from a traditional strip-shaped red bean cake—soft outside, sweet inside—perfectly reflecting who she is. 🦭 Younger sister “Shuangniang Tuan” Round and chubby with a cute, full face, Shuangniang Tuan reminds people of a springy glutinous-rice ball. She’s outgoing and instantly friendly, always dashing in front of the camera and sharing her lively energy. Her name is inspired by the twin-filling rice ball with red bean paste and sesame, just like the double dose of joy she brings. 🐾 Check-in spot The sisters’ names are now on display in the harbor seal tunnel in the Cold Water Zone on the 2F of Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. Come to Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and meet these adorable harbor seal sisters!