Shanghai Summer 2025 Kicks Off with a Global Invitation
The
2025 Shanghai Summer International Consumption Season, locally known as
Shanghai Summer, commenced on
July 4. This yearly event aims to curate a unique experience for both international visitors and local residents, showcasing the essence of summer in Shanghai.
Running from July through October, the event encompasses an array of cultural, travel, sports, and entertainment experiences aimed at capturing the excitement and vibrancy of summer in the city. Following a successful premiere last year, which saw a
42.2% increase in international visitors and a striking
68.2% rise in foreign credit card expenditures, anticipation for this year continues to grow. In just the first five months of 2025, more than
3.4 million international travelers arrived in Shanghai—a remarkable
37.7% increase from the same period last year, and tax-free sales reached
1.4 billion yuan (approximately
$195.72 million), marking an impressive
84.9% year-on-year growth.
This year's Shanghai Summer aims to roll out a
welcoming and memorable experience for global guests. Various activities are planned to cater to the interests and travel styles of visitors from different regions, including
Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe, and
North America. Visitors can look forward to cultural festivals, family-friendly adventures, sports events, and live music performances, all designed to reflect the spirit of summer.
Exciting Phase-wise Events
The flagship events of Shanghai Summer will be organized in two phases. The initial two months,
July and August, will focus on family vacations and general summer leisure, while the latter two months,
September and October, will hone in on cultural programming and high-profile international sporting events. A diverse lineup of
10 marquee events includes:
- - LEGO World Play Day
- - Shanghai Disney Resort Summer Celebrations
- - Shanghai Summer International Anime Month
- - Shanghai Tourism Festival Vocational Summer
- - Shanghai MISA Music Festival
- - Shanghai International Light Festival
- - 2025 World Rowing Championships
- - Rolex Shanghai Masters
- - SS2026 Shanghai Fashion Week
- - FISE World Series Shanghai
Beyond the major events, there are customization options for international travelers that reflect their interests. Activities are designed with elements such as
pop culture,
fitness, traditional
Chinese aesthetics, and urban discoveries. Some exciting experiences on offer include:
- - Pop Mart's Summer of Trendy Toys
- - Lululemon Summer Sweat Games 2025
- - Disney's summer celebration series
- - Yuyuan Garden Mall's Summer Garden Music Concerts
- - West Bund (WB Central) International Cultural Carnival
- - Exclusive limited-edition products from Shanghai’s timeless brands
Seamless Travel Experience with New Services
To enhance the travel experience, Shanghai is introducing
15 new themed service packages designed for ease and convenience, especially focusing on the city's
240-hour visa-free transit policy. Services include:
- - Discounts on flights from China Eastern Airlines
- - Ride-sharing services from Didi
- - Accommodations from Jin Jiang International and Marriott
- - Itinerary planning via the HiChina app
- - English-language maps via Amap
- - Multilingual dining recommendations through Dianping
- - A versatile Shanghai Pass for various experiences
Furthermore, two major upgrades are on the horizon to improve visitor interactions. A more accessible
tax refund system for travelers leaving the country, and the
Easy Go digital platform streamline services encompassing food, accommodation, transportation, shopping, and entertainment, ensuring an effortless engagement with all that Shanghai Summer has to offer.
In summary, Shanghai Summer 2025 is not just an event; it's a comprehensive invitation to immerse oneself in a myriad of experiences that beautifully highlight the charm of summer in one of the world's most vibrant cities.