The Shanghai Qingpu Waterside Melodies festival, a vibrant celebration of music and culture that exemplified the integration of agriculture, culture, tourism, commerce, sports, and exhibitions, kicked off at Shangda Central Park in Qingpu New City on Oct 18, 2025.

This theme of integration resonated throughout the two-day event. On the first day, renowned artists including Mao Buyi, MC Jin, and YoungCaptain energized the crowd with diverse musical styles, drawing over 10,000 fans to the 115,000-square-meter waterfront lawn.

The festival also highlighted local produce with a dedicated Qingpu Agricultural Product Market area.

A female visitor surnamed Huang from Nantong, Jiangsu province, happily discovered and purchased Jinze Zhao Family dried tofu, adding that she planned to explore the ancient towns of Zhujiajiao, Liantang, and Jinze.

To boost regional consumption, Qingpu distributed 12 million yuan ($1.68 million) in "cultural and tourism gift packages". Attendees could enjoy discounts of up to 50 percent at star-rated hotels and free admission to attractions including the Grand View Garden and Jinze Ancient Town.

The festival's location along the core section of Qingpu's waterfront green corridor merged natural ecology with cultural experiences. Moreover, themed tour routes linked cultural landmarks, such as Panlong Xintiandi, the Songze Ruins Museum, which showcases 6,000 years of civilization, and the ancient towns of Jinze and Zhujiajiao.

The momentum continued on Oct 19 with a concert by Jin Chengzhi and the Shanghai Rainbow Chamber Singers, part of the 24th China Shanghai International Arts Festival's "Art Sky" program.

Known for their musical talent and diverse style, the chamber singers performed with a full ensemble of nearly fifty members.

"Being able to see the Rainbow Chamber Singers' full lineup performance at my doorstep is fantastic!" said Zhang, a programmer working in Qingpu New City, adding he planned to visit the Songze Ruins Museum with his child.

For Liu Yutong, a student from Hangzhou, the event showcased Qingpu's appeal. "The concert was wonderful, and we were impressed by Qingpu's scenery," Liu said, planning to cycle through the district's parks and explore Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. Some attendees even flew in specifically for the festival.

"I would recommend Qingpu to my friends. You can enjoy art and experience the unique charm of a Jiangnan water town," said Zhao Lin, a music teacher from Chengdu and a die-hard fan of the Rainbow Chamber Singers, who enjoyed kayaking at Jinwu Peninsula.

To enhance visitor experience, Qingpu released 12 million yuan worth of consumption coupons, covering high-quality hotels, popular scenic spots, and featured tour routes in the area.

The Qingpu district also partnered with businesses and attractions to launch "Music Festival Linked Ticket Benefits", allowing concertgoers to enjoy exclusive discounts at local hotels, Lianyi Loquat Eco-Park, and local agricultural brands.