The 2026 International Audio-Visual Arts Carnival will take place in Shanghai's Jing'an district from Sept 24 to Oct 18. The event will showcase cutting-edge audio-visual technologies, digitally revitalized cultural heritage, and citywide light installations linked to commercial consumption, creating an integrated cultural experience of technology exhibition, art, and urban consumption.

From Sept 24 to 27, the International Audio-Visual Arts Experience Exhibition will gather leading global firms and local innovators to present frontier achievements including spatial audio, AI image restoration, XR interaction, and humanoid robots.

The Audio-Visual Wonderland immersive show, which will be held at the Shanghai Exhibition Center from Sept 25 to 27, will integrate 3D projection mapping and motion capture technologies to transform traditional intangible cultural heritage and museum collections into immersive narrative scenes.

Two outdoor audio-visual concerts will be staged during the Mid-Autumn holiday: an esports symphony night on Sept 25, and a classical symphony concert conducted by renowned composer Tan Dun on Sept 27. Both events will feature AR glasses experiences to deliver a mixed-reality audio-visual effect.

The carnival will conclude with the International Audio-Visual Arts Gala on Oct 18, unveiling the latest industry breakthroughs.

A series of supporting events will roll out across the district's core public spaces. Running from Sept 19 to Oct 7, the 4th Shining Shanghai Light Up Jing'an will illuminate landmarks including Jing'an Park and the Suzhou Creek waterfront, featuring award-winning works from an international light design competition with entries from 41 countries and regions. The Suzhou Creek area will also serve as the official second venue for the Rolex Shanghai Masters.

Source: China Daily