The summer season of the 2026 Shanghai Tourism Festival runs from July 8 through Aug 31, featuring 170 cultural and tourism activities at venues across the city.

This guide showcases a range of countryside experiences, including farming, fruit picking, camping concerts, and forest night tours, highlighting Shanghai's countryside scenery.

Songjiang countryside getaway

This program offers a range of countryside activities across Songjiang district. Highlights include family night tours, camping and stargazing, pet interactions, water sports, and nature education. Participating sites include Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai Happy Valley, Playa Maya Water Park, Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park, Xinbang Lotus Park, and Tianma Xingkong village.

When: Through Aug 31

Where: Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden and other sites in Songjiang district

Summer lotus festival at Gucun Park

Gucun Park is hosting a lotus-themed summer event featuring flower viewing, photography, cultural experiences, and science education. The lotus flowers reach their peak in mid-July, creating stunning views across the ponds.

When: Through Sept 15

Where: Gucun Park, Baoshan district

Tickets: Available through the Gucun Park WeChat or Alipay mini programs

Jinshan peach feast

This year's event integrates AI technology into rural celebrations for the first time. Humanoid robots perform mechanical dance routines, while robotic dogs also make an appearance. Other highlights include dragon dances, folk markets, and live music. Visitors can also indulge in fresh peaches and local specialties, rounding out an event that combines local flavors, performances, and rural fun.

When: July 19 to Aug 19

Where: Lyuxiang Fruit Park, Jinshan district

Tickets: Available through the "吕巷全域文旅智慧平台" (Lyuxiang Tourism) WeChat mini program

Bamboo raft night tour

A summer highlight at Swan Lake, this bamboo raft tour takes visitors across the water, with lotus views by day and enchanting lights by night. The central island hosts retro-style Chinese cultural performances, while swans glide alongside the rafts, creating a quintessential summer experience on the lake.

When: Through Aug 31

Where: Daqian Swan Lake Manor, Qingpu district

Tickets: Available through the resort's WeChat mini program, Meituan, Trip.com, and other platforms

Qingxi Old Street summer night market

The night market at Qingxi Old Street offers food, shopping, and entertainment. Visitors can explore stalls featuring flowers and plants, fresh fruits, intangible cultural heritage products, and cultural and creative items, while also enjoying lively water activities.

When: July to August

Where: Qingxi Old Street, Fengxian district

Admission: Free

Mutton feast and soccer nights

Centered around lamb delicacies and soccer, this event offers a whole-lamb feast, outdoor screenings of soccer matches, live music on the lawn, family rice-planting activities, and summer camps. The program combines the night economy with educational tourism.

When: Through Aug 31

Where: Changxing Island Country Park, Chongming district

Admission: Free; additional fees apply to some activities

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, tourist attractions mentioned above