The Festival della moda e cultura sino-Italiana (Sino-Italian fashion and culture carnival), a major exchange project celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, will take place from May 16 to 18 at the Minghua Sugar Factory and along the Yangpu Riverside in Yangpu district. Come and experience the vibrant fusion of Italian charm and industrial aesthetics!

Event highlights

1. Main venue (first floor of Minghua Sugar Factory)

Through the use of Italy's digital technology, satellite imagery, and VR, you will be transported to renowned Italian archaeological sites, showcasing a seamless blend of technology and history. As soon as you put on the VR glasses, you'll find yourself at the ancient Roman Colosseum.

A special exhibition on Renaissance digital media art by Tongji University will feature 3D animations that recreate classic Renaissance sculptures, showcasing artistic aesthetics through digital language.

Italian-Chinese author Tang Junyu will be present with her phenomenal book The Missing Venus, unveiling the codes hidden in world-famous paintings, from the mirrored text of Leonardo da Vinci's manuscripts to the symbolic metaphors in Sandro Botticelli's Allegory of Spring. Accompanying books will be on sale, and buyers have a chance to receive limited edition merchandise.

2. Sub-venue (riverside area)

(1) Riverside market

This 300-meter riverside market incorporates Venetian mask culture and features three experience zones:

• Italian Food Corridor: Over 30 Italian food brands will be present at the market, offering authentic delicacies such as wood-fired handmade pizza and Parma ham, along with creative fusion dishes like crab roe Italian pasta and spicy tofu pizza.
• Fashion Culture Market: Dive into a variety of creative cultural booths featuring a fusion of Chinese and Italian lifestyles, presented by talented independent Italian designers.
• Dimension Roman Plaza: Renowned Italian artists Denise Barberi and Amerigo Marino will deliver a spectacular opera performance, collaborating with Chinese artists to create a dreamlike scene.

(2) Special exhibitions

• The Italian rugby culture exhibition will offer up-close interaction with professional players from Italy's IL Rugby Club, with opportunities to win limited edition club memorabilia.
• The China International Import Expo cultural products exhibition will showcase a wide array of cultural products, including classic panda-themed items.

(3) Drone light show

Hundreds of drones will illuminate the night sky over Yangpu on May 17 from 8 pm to 8:15 pm, presenting a visual feast of Sino-Italian culture through the fusion of technology and art.

Event information:

• When: May 16-18, 2025, daily from 10 am to 10 pm
• Where: Minghua Sugar Factory and along the Yangpu Riverside (No 415 Anpu Road, Yangpu district)
• Admission: Free entry, with VIP experience tickets offering exclusive benefits
• Transportation: A 700-meter walk from Exit 2 of Danyang Road Station on Metro Line 18

Sources: Official WeChat account of Yangpu district news center at "shanghai-yangpu", Italian Innovation Center