The 2nd Shanghai International Light Festival is set to dazzle from Sept 19 to Oct 18 under the theme "Light Up Shanghai", aiming to activate urban spaces and showcase the city's vitality through an impressive array of light art installations.

The festival will feature one main venue and 16 sub-venues, hosting a total of 177 themed events.

From Sept 19 to 28, the opening ceremony will take place at both the main and sub-venues in Xuhui's West Bund.

Highlights include a massive 3,000-square-meter naked-eye 3D dome projection at the West Bund Dome Art Center, a narrative architectural projection at the West Bund Grand Theatre, and an exhibition of 218 light artworks from 19 countries along the Riverside Show Belt.

An international symposium on light art will also be held, focusing on topics such as light art and AI, the night economy, and sustainable lighting.

The 16 sub-venues across different districts will host events that reflect their local characteristics, creating unique light art experiences.

Pudong New Area will feature laser and skyline light shows to accentuate its urban landscape, while Huangpu will combine light-themed markets and pet parks to boost the night economy.

Hongkou will use landmark buildings to narrate waterfront stories with light, and Yangpu will blend intangible cultural heritage with cyberpunk on Fuxing Island.

Putuo will integrate new and old spaces for an art-commerce-ecology light experience, and Jing'an will craft a Dunhuang-themed immersive block, allowing guests to step into the grandeur of ancient Dunhuang art through innovative light techniques.

 Changning will showcase light art at Livat Center, highlighting the beauty of light art, urban construction, and high-quality life.

Baoshan will present a multimedia light show featuring drones, fireworks, and water screen shows.

Minhang's 7 km show belt will transform Qibao Ancient Town, and the Lin-gang New Area will connect light experiences through a series of activities, including float parades, Mid-Autumn Festival galas, and international art festivals.

Moreover, Fengxian will link light art with the 2025 FIM Motocross World Championship, while Jinshan will merge the area's coastal scenery with dynamic light performances to craft a dazzling evening ambiance.

Jiading will blend modern light art with the charm of Nanxiang Ancient Town, Songjiang will illuminate Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park, and Qingpu will highlight the 6,000-year-old Songze Culture using "five-colored fireflies" as a motif.

For the interactive experience section, nine interactive light art installations have been selected from over 20 groups of works worldwide.

Integrating advanced sensing, algorithm, and projection technologies, these installations will deliver highly sensitive and creative real-time interactive experiences.

Additionally, September to October is Shanghai's prime sports season, featuring 16 international and domestic events, including the Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 and the World Rowing Championships, allowing visitors to enjoy sports by day and experience light art by night.