This week, Shanghai takes center stage with the 48th WorldSkills Competition, the return of the Head of Shanghai River Regatta, and a vibrant lineup of Mid-Autumn festivities throughout the city. Here is what to look out for.

Weather: Mostly cloudy with brief showers

Shanghai will see mostly cloudy to overcast conditions this week, with limited sunshine and occasional brief showers in some areas. Rain is expected to be light and localized, with minimal impact on travel. Temperatures will generally range from 22 C to 30 C before the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday.

Showers or thunderstorms are expected during the Mid-Autumn holiday, with highs briefly reaching 32 C before falling again.

Solar term: Autumn Equinox

Sept 23 marks qiufen, or Autumn Equinox, the 16th solar term of the year. On this day, the sun is directly over the equator, bringing nearly equal lengths of day and night around the world. After the Autumn Equinox, the sun's direct rays shift southward, and the Northern Hemisphere begins to see shorter days and longer nights. Temperature differences between day and night will increase, and overall temperatures will gradually decline.

Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival, one of China's four major traditional festivals, falls on Sept 25 this year. The public holiday runs from Sept 25 to 27.

The moon will be at its fullest at 12:49 am on Sept 27. The moon will appear nearly identical on the nights of Sept 25, 26, and 27, all suitable for viewing.

48th WorldSkills Competition

The 48th WorldSkills Competition runs from Sept 22 to 27. Temporary traffic restrictions will be in effect on some roads and in certain areas from Sept 22 to 30. Shanghai Metro will implement special operating plans for the event and the Mid-Autumn holiday, including extended service hours on some lines and additional night trains.

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2026 Head of Shanghai River Regatta and World Rowing Shanghai Sprints

The 2026 Head of Shanghai River Regatta and the World Rowing Shanghai Sprints will be held from Sept 24 to 27 on the Suzhou Creek. The event brings together eight leading rowing teams: teams representing the seven countries that topped the medal table at the 2025 World Rowing Championships, along with a World Team featuring top rowers from different countries.

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Shanghai International Light Festival

The third Shanghai International Light Festival runs from Sept 17 to Oct 16 under the theme "Light of Shanghai".

→ Shanghai International Light Festival begins Sept 17

→ Shanghai's light festival guide: Parks, waterfronts, and more

2026 Shanghai Tourism Festival classic season

The 2026 Shanghai Tourism Festival classic season features 170 events across six themes: city classics, gourmet journey, Shanghai after dark, leisure trails, treasure markets, and arts & culture.

→ Shanghai Tourism Festival launches classic season with 170+ activities

→ 2026 Shanghai Tourism Festival classic season: Return of beloved traditions

→ 2026 Shanghai Tourism Festival classic season: Flavors of the city

2026 International Audio-Visual Arts Carnival

The 2026 International Audio-Visual Arts Carnival runs from Sept 24 to Oct 18. The program includes a technology-and-art exhibition, immersive performances, and outdoor symphony concerts. Most activities take place at the Shanghai Exhibition Center.

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Global Taste in Shanghai autumn events

A series of food-themed events under the Global Taste in Shanghai campaign are running across the city. Highlights include the Shanghai Snack Carnival at Global Harbor, Pizza Drop Festival at Mega Incity, and Shanghai ASALI International Dessert Festival at Jiuguang Center.

Art on the Bund: Panda Holiday

From Sept 13 to Nov 22, the Art on the Bund 2026 Terrace Art Season returns to the Huangpu River waterfront, featuring panda-themed art installations along a 1-kilometer stretch of the Bund.

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Phase II of Bailian Outlets Shanghai Qingpu begins operations

Phase II of Bailian Outlets Shanghai Qingpu opens on Sept 21, with more than 500 brands joining the expansion. In addition to discounts and gifts, the opening features markets, light shows, and fireworks.

French Musical Gala Concert

When: Sept 24 to 27

Where: Shanghai Culture Square, Huangpu district

Presented as part of Shanghai Culture Square's 15th anniversary celebrations, the French Musical Gala Concert returns after a three-year hiatus. The program features more than 30 classic songs from over 10 French musicals, showcasing representative works from different periods of French musical theater.

Musical I Miss You, I Miss You Very Much

When: Sept 24 to 27

Where: Theatre Young, Yangpu district

Directed by Edward Lam, this musical reimagines the classic tale of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai in a modern-day art setting, exploring love, self, and human relationships. This updated version retains seven classic songs, adds 13 original songs, and features the original cast. It opens Theatre Young's Autumn IS International Theatre Season.

Sources: General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, official sources for the events mentioned above