This autumn, Shanghai features a new lineup of character-themed pop-ups and exhibitions, offering interactive activities, limited-edition merchandise, immersive spaces, and more.

 

SISI pop-up at Raffles City

SISI is an original character created by Chinese collectible-toy retailer Top Toy. In her story, she is a rose girl who escapes from a glass castle on a journey of self-discovery.

The Shanghai pop-up debuts a new series of SISI plush pendant blind boxes featuring different pet characters. Each plush pendant has a distinct texture and can be posed in multiple ways. The hidden edition features two rabbits and includes a detachable collar that can also be used as a hair tie.

Visitors can pick up a SISI stamp card at check-in and complete on-site tasks to collect stamps. Once the card is completed, they can exchange it for a capsule-toy token and enter a lucky draw for limited-edition pop-up merchandise.

After purchasing, visitors can follow online instructions to generate an AI photo of SISI with their pet. They can print the photo on-site, add it to the photo wall, or take it home.

• When: Through Oct 16
• Where: L1, Raffles City, No 268 Middle Xizang Road, Huangpu district

 

Lace Family's first offline pop-up in China

Mimo the rabbit, Sally the cat, and Haha the mouse are making their first offline appearance at this Lace Family pop-up.

The pop-up, themed around a giant glass room decorated with bows, recreates a small world for the three characters. Visitors can shop for limited-edition merchandise, take photos at a character-themed photo spot, and try a retro-style photo booth experience.

• When: Through Oct 25
• Where: L1, West Zone, Suhewan MixC World, No 100 North Fujian Road, Jing'an district

 

"This Dog Kitchen" makes its first stop in Shanghai

Created by illustrator JiAh, "This Dog" is a popular sticker character built around a cheerful, carefree dog that refuses to be defined.

For the first stop of the "This Dog Kitchen" pop-up, the character takes on the role of a chef in a kitchen-themed setting. The event features more than 100 merchandise items, including a Shanghai-exclusive item, a pop-up-exclusive item, and over 30 new products.

The collection covers plush pendants inspired by barbecue, desserts, bread, and chefs, as well as kitchenware such as bowls, plates, chopsticks, spoons, frying pans, and dishwashing sponges. Other everyday items, including eye masks, hair ties, and storage products, are also available.

During the pop-up, visitors can also pick up a stamp booklet on-site and complete on-site tasks to receive limited-edition gifts.

• When: Through Nov 1
• Where: L1 Atrium, South Zone, Xintiandi The Hub, No 688 Shenchang Road, Minhang district

 

"Pingu's All-Star Daily Life" national debut pop-up

Pingu, the mischievous penguin from the Swiss stop-motion animation series of the same name, will appear as an NBA All-Star for this themed pop-up.

The South Hall of Bailian Youyicheng Shopping Center will be transformed into a street basketball-themed setting, with new NBA-themed Pingu products debuting alongside interactive activities.

• When: Sept 30 to Nov 1
• Where: L1 South Hall, Bailian Youyicheng Shopping Center, No 8 Songhu Road, Yangpu district

 

Pop Land carnival tour

The Pop Land carnival tour is underway in Shanghai, with stops at the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai No 1 Department Store.

The tour follows Labubu on an adventure guided by a mysterious treasure map. At the Oriental Pearl Tower, visitors can try nine interactive games in a carnival area nearby. Pop Bakery, a dessert brand under Pop Mart, is also hosting a limited-time pop-up, offering character-themed ice cream, cookies, and other desserts.

At Shanghai No 1 Department Store, the tour takes the form of an immersive walk-through experience, with themed displays and photo spots along Luhe Road and the surrounding area. Visitors can also take part in four interactive games, with prizes including Labubu plush cushions shaped like corn and fried shrimp, plush buckets, PVC charms, and tin badges.

When: Through Nov 1

Where:

• Oriental Pearl Tower, No 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area
• Shanghai No 1 Department Store, at the intersection of East Nanjing Road and Luhe Road, Huangpu district

 

No 11 Floral Tile Road: Butterbear Art Exhibition

Butterbear, a character that originated from a bakery in Bangkok, is holding its first large-scale art exhibition.

No 11 Floral Tile Road transforms the gallery into a vacation hotel, featuring nine themed spaces: a lobby, garden, restaurant, beach, meditation area, guest rooms, bathroom, entertainment room, and gift shop. Each space has its own background music, creating a distinct atmosphere as visitors move through the exhibition.

The exhibition features works by 11 groups of artists from Italy, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Malaysia, and China, including a giant pink polar bear sculpture by Italian artist Paola Pivi, a surreal tropical landscape by British artist Sam Wilde, and immersive works exploring sound, light, and projected images.

As part of the global premiere, Butterbear takes on a new artistic role and appears in more than 20 custom looks created exclusively for the exhibition, with hidden details placed throughout the different spaces.

• When: Through Jan 24, 2027
• Opening hours: 10 am to 8 pm, with last admission at 7:30 pm
• Where: Galleries 1 and 2, chi K11 Art Museum, B3, K11 Art Mall, No 300 Middle Huaihai Road, Huangpu district
• Tickets: 58 yuan ($8.63) on weekdays; 68 yuan on weekends and public holidays; 78 yuan for a special ticket including a stamped postcard

 

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce and the venues mentioned above