As one of the most international districts in Shanghai, Jing'an has unveiled a series of major events for 2025 aimed at driving economic growth while also highlighting its dynamic culture, tourism, commerce, sports, and exhibition industries on the global stage.

Throughout the year, the district will host a diverse lineup of events designed to attract visitors and boost consumption.

The announcement was made at a news conference held on Feb 26 in Zhangyuan, a historic community in the heart of Jing'an. Attendees included representatives of various government departments, businesses, and organizations.

A diverse calendar of events for 2025

Jing'an has crafted a comprehensive calendar of events for 2025, including brand debuts, festivals, performing arts, sports, and exhibitions. By fostering synergy among these sectors, the district aims to maximize their collective impact and drive growth in consumption.

One key initiative is the "One Festival Four Seasons" campaign, a series of themed events that will take place throughout the year. The events will include the New Year Shopping Festival, "First in Shanghai", the Shanghai Shopping Festival, the "Shanghai Summer" International Consumption Season, and a consumption carnival during the China International Import Expo, ensuring a steady stream of consumer activity throughout the year.

The district will also leverage its position as a global destination for new product launches by hosting the 6th Shanghai International Cosmetic Festival, National Characteristic Product Consumption Festival, and various activities showcasing leading domestic brands.

Cultural and tourism offerings will also be expanded, with the introduction of the "Love Jing'an" series featuring 10 events spanning theater, music, arts and traditional culture.

Sports enthusiasts will also be catered to, with over 300 sporting events planned, including the 2nd Shanghai International Sports Trend Culture Festival, the Shanghai E-sports Masters, the third Jing'an District Games, the Shanghai Jing'an Half Marathon, and the Jing'an Swordsmanship Open, among others.

Collaborative success: leveraging synergies for growth

Jing'an's commitment to developing a vibrant cultural, tourism, commercial, sports and exhibition ecosystem is reflected in its various successful initiatives that showcase the positive impact of collaboration across sectors.

One example is the Shanghai International Sports Trend Culture Festival, launched at the end of 2024. The festival attracted a large audience, successfully demonstrating the potential of combining culture, sports, and commerce.

A collaborative effort between government, commercial entities, brands, and online platforms, the festival generated impressive results: the West Nanjing Road commercial circle experienced an 18-percent increase in visitor traffic and a 22-percent increase in sales during the week of the festival.

Another successful initiative is the Jing'an Modern Drama Valley, which staged 104 performances of 24 plays in 2024, with over 80 percent making their Shanghai debut. The event generated over 10 million yuan ($1.37 million) in box office revenue, contributing to Jing’an’s vibrant cultural scene.

Furthermore, Jing'an continues to be a prime destination for international luxury brands. On Feb 18, Spanish fashion house Loewe opened its largest concept store in Asia at the Jing An Kerry Centre. In 2024, the district welcomed 234 first stores, more than any other district in the city.

Engaging the world: global ambassadors and digital reach

Recognizing the importance of engaging with international audiences, Jing'an has taken steps to amplify its global reach.

The district recently appointed a group of international ambassadors, each representing a diverse array of fields and bringing their own unique perspectives to promoting Jing'an's vibrant offerings to the world.

These ambassadors include Executive Director of Fotografiska Shanghai Christian Devillers, founder and CEO of SimpliCity Zhu Yining, Chinese billiard star Pan Xiaoting, and popular short-video blogger Yu Fu.

Furthermore, Jing'an has launched a number of overseas social media accounts. These accounts will focus on providing international visitors with information about the city's attractions, cultural offerings, and lifestyle, showcasing Shanghai's unique blend of history and modernity.

Source: WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism at "shanghaitourism"