A dragon boat race is held on Suzhou Creek in Shanghai on June 2. [Photo/VCG]

With the Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu, around the corner, the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism has announced a vibrant array of 200 holiday-related cultural and tourism activities for both residents and tourists alike. The "Visit Shanghai for the Dragon Boat Festival" initiative encompasses a wide range of experiences, including art exhibitions, concerts, dramas, scenic spots, and food festivals.

As the first traditional Chinese festival to be recognized as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, the Dragon Boat Festival holds a special place in the hearts of many. In celebration of this significant holiday, Shanghai plans to fuse traditional festivities with its ancient towns, commercial districts, scenic areas, and communities in order to offer an immersive and interactive experience.

Each district in Shanghai is gearing up to host a variety of holiday-themed activities at prominent city landmarks. Festivities will include dragon boat culture festivals, festive garden parties, Han-style night events, dragon boat racing, and camping opportunities.

Cultural Insider: What is Dragon Boat Festival?

Adding to the excitement, a Dragon Boat Festival-themed culture and tourism market named "Visit Shanghai" will be held at the Jinqiao international community during the holiday period. It is set to immerse visitors in the city's unique "East Meets West" culture.

The historic Sinan Mansions in Huangpu district will stage a special Chinese instrumental music concert, blending traditional and contemporary music styles to offer a three-day Chinese music extravaganza for the public to enjoy.

In addition to the festival-specific events, Shanghai will introduce a series of cultural and artistic exhibitions and offline activities to cater to the diverse interests of the public. Exhibitions such as the Chinese cloisonné showcase at the Shanghai Museum and the Chinese shadow puppetry exhibition at the Shanghai World Expo Museum will provide visitors with a deeper insight into China's rich cultural heritage. Moreover, a variety of Chinese and Western stage dramas, music concerts, festivals, and film screenings will be organized to further enrich the cultural landscape of the city.

Iconic landmarks such as Xujiahui, the Bund, and the Huangpu River will also serve as vibrant backdrops for a diverse range of curated activities that were specifically designed to engage and captivate visitors.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism