Sunday, September 15, 2024 Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall was transformed into a vibrant celebration of joy and festivity on Saturday night, marking the grand opening of the 2024 Shanghai Tourism Festival . This annual event, a highlight in Shanghai’s cultural calendar, promises 23 days of excitement with 200 activities planned across the city, reinforcing Shanghai’s status as a premier global travel destination and a key stop for international visitors. The festival’s opening ceremony featured a dazzling parade divided into four chapters, showcasing 25 performing troupes from countries including 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 standout float, inspired by classic Art Deco , made its debut with elements reflecting the City of Light immersive theater. Its design incorporated iconic Shanghai architecture and scenes, with vibrant red drapes and a central Chinese totem , symbolizing the city’s radiant narrative.
The festival runs from September 15 to 25 , with discounted admission to the immersive theater as part of the celebrations. The float from Jilin Province utilized AI technology to recreate a snowy kingdom, while the Dunhuang float highlighted cultural motifs, such as flying Apsaras , in anticipation of the upcoming The Great Art of Dunhuang ” exhibition at the China Art Museum. International performers added to the festival’s.