Shanghai is experiencing a vibrant boost in its retail and dining sectors during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, thanks to a surge in foreign tourists following China's expanded visa-free policies.

Since the holiday began on Oct 1, the Huawei flagship store at Super Brand Mall has reported a 20 percent increase in foreign customers compared to the May Day holiday, with high-end products, such as foldable phones and computers, capturing the attention of international shoppers.

Additionally, cultural and creative products featuring iconic Lujiazui architectural designs, like hand creams, have also become popular, with some stores noting that overseas customers now make up half of their clientele.

Sports and outdoor brands are also experiencing a boom. Stores like Nike, Adidas and Fila at Bailian Outlets in Qingpu have seen long queues, with new items, such as Pop Mart collaboration hoodies, appealing to foreign tourists.

Over the past weekends (Oct 4-5), the mall reported a 177.27 percent year-on-year increase in tax refund forms, with tourists from Russia, the Philippines, and the United States leading the charge.

Shanghai's nighttime economy is embracing an international flair. Nightlife hubs like Found158 in Huangpu district offer a variety of global cuisines, with weekend foreign visitor numbers up by 10 percent compared to the May Day holiday.

To cater to the growing number of Russian tourists, some restaurants have added traditional dishes like borscht, while Japanese eateries have extended their hours past midnight to accommodate guests from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and beyond.

Foreign tourists are exploring beyond traditional business zones, with emerging commercial complexes such as New Bund Lane in Pudong New Area and Lidoway in Qingpu gaining popularity thanks to promotion on overseas social media platforms.

This trend underscores a broadening consumption base and deeper market engagement.

Source: Jiefang Daily