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 spotlights the "Shanghai after dark" theme, highlighting experiences that light up the city after sunset and offer fresh ways to enjoy Shanghai at night.

Shanghai International Light Festival

The third Shanghai International Light Festival runs from Sept 17 to Oct 16, featuring 158 themed activities at one main venue and 16 sub-venues.

"Light of Shanghai" is the festival's permanent theme, expressed through four key concepts: technology, culture, the future, and everyday life.

When: Sept 17 to Oct 16

Where: One main venue in Huangpu district: Yanzhong Greenland and the Suzhou Creek waterfront; sub-venues across all 16 districts

Night tour at Shenyuan Garden

Shenyuan Garden will extend its opening hours to 9 pm during the Mid-Autumn and National Day holidays, with last admission at 8:30 pm. Soft lighting and the scent of osmanthus set the scene for an evening stroll through the garden. Visitors can also explore a cultural market, offering food, games, and interactive activities.

When: Sept 25 to 27, and Oct 1 to 7

Where: Shenyuan Garden, inside Shanghai Expo Culture Park, Pudong New Area

Shining Shanghai Light Up Jing'an

The 4th Shining Shanghai Light Up Jing'an brings light installations to landmarks across Jing'an district, with Jing'an Park showcasing creative light displays and a range of cultural products. The Suhewan MixC World showcases works from an international light art competition, while the Daning commercial zone joins the light festival map for the first time. Centered on Life Hub @ Daning, the area will feature a series of light-related activities and experiences at Daning Park throughout the event.

When: Sept 19 to Oct 7

Where: West Nanjing Road, Jing'an Park, Suhewan MixC World, and Daning commercial zone

Longhua autumn fair

Linked to the Shanghai International Light Festival and Mid-Autumn traditions, the event features a new Chinese-style lantern fair, an immersive light-and-shadow experience centered on blessings, and a market themed around blessings and well-being.

When: Sept 25 to Oct 31

Where: Longhua Hui, Xuhui district

Wusongkou Aerial Theater

A combined fireworks and drone show anchors the event, with coordinated displays lighting the sky and setting a festive tone.

When: Oct 1

Where: Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal area

2026 Nanxiang Guochao Festival

The festival builds on Nanxiang's cultural legacy, with Nanxiang Old Street and Guyi Garden as its main venues. It will showcase four local intangible cultural heritage traditions — Nanxiang xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings), Jiading bamboo carving, Xuhang straw weaving, and Nanxiang lantern riddles.

When: Sept 30 to Oct 8

Where: Nanxiang Ancient Town and Guyi Garden in Jiading district

Mid-Autumn fair at Jinshan City Beach

This seaside night event features art experiences, intangible cultural heritage, interactive activities, and programs for families and pets.

When: Sept 25 to 27

Where: Jinshan City Beach, Jinshan district

Shanghai Happy Valley Woah!appy Festival

This year's festival transforms the park into an engaging "emotion exchange" experience. Visitors take on the role of "emotion shareholders," interacting with "emotion traders" across various themed zones. A park-wide token system lets visitors earn credits by playing games and completing tasks. Visitors can spend these credits on activities such as role-playing and scratch cards and redeem them for rewards.

When: Sept 12 to Nov 15

Where: Shanghai Happy Valley, Songjiang district

Xincun National Day night market

The event combines a rice-themed market with night tours under the stars, inviting visitors to enjoy light rice-based meals.

When: Oct 1 to 2

Where: Dao 1968 scenic area in Xincun township and the surrounding rice fields in Chongming district

Chinese animation nights at Popome

The event features a Chinese animation-inspired light show, evening performances at the Tiangong Theater, and nighttime parades with character mascots.

When: Sept 5 to Oct 6 (night sessions on weekends and during the National Day holiday)

Where: Popome amusement park in Global Harbor, Putuo district

Source: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism