In a shift from traditional sightseeing to immersive experiences, Shanghai's tourism scene is redefining itself during the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday from Oct 1-8.

Pre-holiday data from multiple travel platforms consistently ranked Shanghai as the top destination for international travelers, and the holiday period has confirmed this status.

The city's appeal now lies not only in its iconic skyline, but also in its dynamic blend of world-class art, traditional water towns, and vibrant street life, offering visitors both modern sophistication and local authenticity.

This trend was evident across the city. At the Fosun Foundation, US tourist Paul discovered an unexpected highlight during his visit to the Bund.

After exploring both the pink-themed Miss Dior Exhibition: Stories of a Miss and Qiu Anxiong's mixed-media art show A Meandering Song of Early Spring, he was surprised by the contrast between Eastern and Western exhibitions.

The search for authentic experiences also led visitors beyond the city center. In the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao, British visitor Anderson was so captivated by a traditional Boat Boxing martial arts performance that she enthusiastically tried mimicking the moves by the riverbank.

The town's immersive cultural festival is part of a broader Guochao (China-Chic) trend, through which Shanghai's suburbs are transforming cultural heritage into engaging tourism experiences.

The city's bustling, down-to-earth side was equally magnetic. On Wujiang Road, a 200-meter-long autumn market lured visitors with the aroma of grilled skewers.

Laura, a tourist from Italy on her first trip to Shanghai, voiced a feeling shared by many. While her friends often spoke of Shanghai’s skyscrapers, she found the street stalls more appealing. They show the living side of Shanghai, she said.

These cultural and culinary discoveries were complemented by Shanghai’s world-class theme parks.

Adam, a Polish visitor residing in Cambodia, traveled to Shanghai with his wife and two children—a 10-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son—via a new direct flight from Phnom Penh.

Over seven days, the family visited major parks including Disneyland, the L+SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort, and the newly opened Legoland. Adam described them as "the best" theme parks they had visited worldwide.

This holiday season highlights Shanghai's evolving tourism appeal, with international visitors crafting itineraries that show a preference for seamless transitions—from global to local experiences, monumental to intimately curated exhibitions and spontaneous street markets.

Source: Jiefang Daily