The 13th Shanghai International Magic Festival, which opened on Oct 29, is set to dazzle and enchant audiences with both professional shows and engaging activities.

Top magicians from around the world – including Belgium's Laurent Piron and Russia's Artem Shchukin – will deliver extraordinary close-up magic performances for the audience in the six-day event.

In addition to professional magic shows, this year's festival places a greater emphasis on engaging a wider audience.

Magicians will also give ordinary people "magical surprises" in public spaces across the city to let them experience the powerful charms of magic.

Seven lecture sessions to be held during the festival will allow magic enthusiasts and professionals alike to learn and exchange ideas.

Adding to the fun, a four-day magic prop exhibition will feature 14 top exhibitors from China, Japan and South Korea – showcasing cutting-edge magic props and technologies.

Since its inception, the Shanghai International Magic Festival has garnered widespread acclaim in the international magic industry. It has become a benchmark for magic festivals in China and even across Asia.

Sources: WeChat account of China Shanghai International Arts Festival at "artsbird2306", WeChat account of Shanghai Jing'an Media Center at "jaxwzx"