Shanghai will come alive after dark from now to Sept 30. Open Night — the grand opening carnival of the 2025 Shanghai Night Festival — will take place from June 6 to 8.

Head to Columbia Circle in Changning district for an electrifying celebration of everything that makes Shanghai's nights unforgettable — fashion, flavors, culture, music, movement and more.

Across seven dazzling themes — shopping, dining, entertainment, reading, performances, sports and tours — more than 45 events and brands will showcase the energy of Shanghai as a dynamic 24-hour city.

 

1. First custom night bus route

For the first time, the Shanghai Night Festival and Jiushi Public Transportation Group will present a special bus route connecting the city's top nightlife landmarks.

From June 13 to July 6, hop aboard a night bus that links the Bund Finance Center, Xintiandi, HKRI Taikoo Hui, Jiuguang Department Store and Columbia Circle.

How to ride: Spend over 66 yuan ($9.17) at any participating mall and redeem your receipt at the service desk for a free ride pass.

Look forward to: Limited-edition tickets, surprise performances on board and local culture pop-up events.

 

2. Shanghai night music season

In collaboration with Pollux Music, a sub-label under indie powerhouse Modern Sky, the Shanghai night music season will transform streets and venues into live music hubs.

Expect:

- Indoor music festivals

- Pop-up neighborhood concerts

- "Music and reading" hybrid performances

- Weekend music blocks spotlighting emerging local artists

 

3. Nighttime cultural experiences

Immerse yourself in Shanghai's artistic spirit after dark at Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, Fotografiska, Modern Art Museum and bookstores.

Highlights include:

- Late-night reading at Yue Yue Bookstore and Lekai Books

- Immersive art installations like Playtime by rising artist Shen Xintong — a whimsical public art parade of puppets, tigers, dogs, dragons and more, inviting you into a fantasy playground full of joy and wonder

 

4. Feast after dark

Taste the world at a pop-up space where food, shopping and entertainment experiences collide.

Highlights include:

- The balancing × Scentchant perfume-art installation (by the fashion select shop under Bailian Group): A surreal fragrance room shaped like oversized perfume bottles — perfect for photos and filled with free gifts

- Innovative food and beverage brands such as Tabb, Bar Choice, Starbucks Reserve Bar Mixato, Gelato Nishiogi, Homa and more

Also, don't miss:

- Shanghai Craft Beer Festival @ MixC World (June 13-15)

- 2025 FEAST Food Festival (June 13-15)

 

5. DarkRunners night run

Lace up for a night run with DarkRunners, Shanghai's leading urban fitness collective on June 7.

Starting at Columbia Circle, the scenic route winds through plane tree-lined streets: Hunan Road, Xingguo Road, Xujiahui Park, Huashan Road and Fahuazhen Road.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or a curious explorer, this event is a moving celebration of energy and community.

 

6. Gaming meets reality: Valorant Mobile

Valorant Mobile — a free-to-play tactical shooter developed by Riot Games — will return to Columbia Circle with a bold, immersive experience from June 6 to 8.

Celebrate the global launch with exclusive content, competitions and surprises blending digital action with real-world excitement.

 

More excitement from online platforms

 

Douyin

Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) will ignite the Open Night buzz with:

- A night market full of delicious snacks and live-streaming

- A cozy "movie-meets-dining" setup celebrating the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival

 

Meituan

Feel good, eat well and move freely in Meituan's themed zones:

- Workout block: Free fitness perks

- Bar block: Unlimited specialty cocktails

- Wellness block: Complimentary massages and hairstyling

 

Sources: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Night Festival, official WeChat account of the 2025 FEAST Food Festival at "socialsupplyshanghai"