Shanghai has unveiled a new set of measures aimed at upgrading service consumption across key sectors, including culture and tourism, sports, healthcare, dining, and senior services. The initiative is designed to better meet the diverse and quality-driven needs of both residents and visitors.

In the culture and tourism sector, the city will encourage eligible museums, art galleries, science venues, and A-level tourist attractions to extend opening hours or offer nighttime access. Reservation-free entry will also be promoted, making cultural visits more flexible and accessible.

Building on its distinctive identity, Shanghai will introduce more themed tourism products centered on local culture, art, and cuisine will be introduced. Ancient towns are expected to gain renewed vitality through offerings such as intangible cultural heritage experiences, immersive theater productions, and night tours, giving familiar destinations a fresh appeal.

Sports consumption is also expanding beyond traditional venues. Shanghai will continue to host the Shanghai Sports Consumption Festival and encourage shopping malls, scenic areas, and commercial areas to introduce fitness activities and sporting events, integrating sports into everyday leisure and travel.

At the same time, access to sports facilities closer to residential neighborhoods will be expanded with the development of high-quality outdoor sports destinations accelerating, making outdoor activities more convenient and accessible.

In healthcare, Shanghai will support qualified medical institutions in launching specialized international medical programs and encourage non-government medical providers to offer international services. Commercial insurers will also be guided to develop health insurance products linked to specialized and cross-border medical services.

Dining options in the city are expected to become more diverse. Shanghai will step up efforts to attract global food brands, promote international cuisines, and cultivate several international dining clusters, further strengthening its reputation as an international culinary capital.

For senior consumers, the city will continue to improve the quality of domestic and elderly care services while fostering new service models such as medical escort services, assisted bathing, and mobility support. Shopping malls and commercial areas will be encouraged to create senior-friendly retail environments, alongside the development of specialty stores focused on products and services for older adults.

In tourism, companies will be guided to develop age-friendly travel products, creating composite experiences that combine study tours, photography, wellness, and extended stays.

Shanghai is also promoting cross-sector integration by developing service consumption plus scenarios that combine tourism, sports, healthcare, senior services, and cruise travel with other experiences. Airlines and travel agencies are encouraged to make better use of China's transit visa-free policies by launching integrated aviation and tourism products.

Meanwhile, shopping areas and former industrial sites are being encouraged to transform their roles into lifestyle destinations. These spaces are expected to incorporate cultural and fashion offerings, sports and wellness activities, art exhibitions, themed social experiences, and leisure entertainment.

The commercial value of cultural intellectual property is also set to be further unlocked. IPs from film, performing arts, sports, gaming, and online culture are expected to be transformed into new, experience-driven consumption scenarios through cross-industry collaboration.

Digital technologies are another key focus. Augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence will be increasingly applied across tourism, cultural venues, and commercial spaces, creating immersive, interactive, and smart consumption experiences.

Shanghai will also continue to strengthen synergies among culture, tourism, commerce, sports, and exhibitions, amplifying the impact of major events such as the Shanghai Summer International Consumption Season, the Shanghai Tourism Festival, and the Shanghai Marathon. New models linking tickets with broader consumption experiences will be explored to maximize spillover effects.

To further enhance convenience, the city will expand multilingual signage and services in key locations, improve access to multilingual menus and guides, and work with international influencers and content creators to showcase Shanghai's appeal to a global audience.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce