The 2026 Shanghai Tourism Festival classic season runs from Sept 1 to Oct 6 and features 170 events across six themes: city classics, gourmet journey, Shanghai after dark, leisure trails, treasure markets, and arts & culture.

This guide highlights the "gourmet journey" theme, featuring food events that showcase Shanghai's classic flavors, seasonal ingredients, and international tastes.

Solar term food carnival

Centered on solar-term culture, the event collaborates with Michelin and Black Pearl restaurants to create a food guide featuring seasonal Shanghai-style dishes and solar term-themed dining experiences. Discounted set menus and dining subsidies can be claimed through the Shanghai Tourism Festival WeChat mini program and redeemed at participating restaurants.

When: September through the end of October

Where: Designated restaurants

German-style carnival at Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong

The carnival features two German-style beers and classic dishes, including roasted pork knuckle and traditional sausage platters. To add to the festive atmosphere, a Bavarian band from Germany will perform live, combining German cuisine with live music.

When: Oct 5 to 24

Where: Tent on the east plaza, Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong, Pudong New Area

Americas-themed food market at Shanghai Museum

In conjunction with the On Top of the World Tree: Ancient Civilizations of the Americas

exhibition, an Americas food night market will be held at the outdoor plaza at the south entrance of the Shanghai Museum. Featuring cuisine from Central and South American countries, the market offers visitors a rich culinary experience.

When: Oct 1 to 7

Where: Shanghai Museum on People's Square, Huangpu district

Mooncake master competition

This event keeps traditional local baking techniques alive while adding a creative twist by incorporating Lyuxiang flat peaches and grapes. Professional and amateur bakers compete side by side to create new-style fruit mooncakes, with the most popular mooncake selected by vote. A parent-child activity zone and lantern riddles also enhance the Mid-Autumn festivities.

When: Sept 25 to 27

Where: Lyuxiang Fruit Park, Jinshan district

Jinshan feast at Caojing Shuike Scenic Area

The annual Jinshan feast at Caojing Shuike Scenic Area showcases dishes with local characteristics, offering a one-stop taste of Jinshan's local flavors. The carnival also features farm-themed activities, creating a comprehensive experience that spans dining, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment.

When: Oct 1 to 7

Where: Caojing Shuike Scenic Area, Jinshan district

Yexie town rice season carnival

Yexie town is dedicated to promoting Songjiang rice and rice culinary culture. The carnival features intangible cultural heritage soft rice cake-making workshops, creative rice competitions, rural study tours, parent-child rice ball-making activities, and educational tastings, showcasing the versatility of local rice.

When: Sept 1 to Oct 7

Where: Yexie town, Songjiang district

Liantang water bamboo carnival

Liantang town is known for its water bamboo — crisp, mild stems harvested in autumn that resemble bamboo shoots. The carnival brings that local specialty to the table alongside themed markets, hands-on farm experiences, sporting events, exhibitions, and entertainment, inviting visitors to taste, explore, and take home a piece of Liantang's harvest season.

When: Sept 30 to Oct 4

Where: Liantang Ancient Town, Qingpu district

Source: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism