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 charm.
Georgia Pletzer from Austria and her band, who spent nine months preparing, performed traditional folk music and even included a classic Shanghai song in their set. Pletzer expressed her excitement about the festival, 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.
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