The ninth China International Import Expo opens on Nov 5. The Bund will adjust its lighting hours as Shanghai hosts international conferences, industrial trade fairs, and performances. Here's what's happening this week.

Weather outlook

Shanghai will experience frequent cold air incursions and rainy weather this week. Highs will range from 17 to 21 C, while lows will be between 14 and 17 C. Two rounds of rain are expected, with the heavier rain arriving on the night of Nov 3 and continuing into Nov 4. Northwesterly winds will add to the chill.

Start of Winter falls on Nov 7

Saturday marks lidong, or Start of Winter, the 19th of China's "24 solar terms".

Although traditionally seen as the start of winter, the solar term does not necessarily signal the arrival of winter weather. By meteorological standards, Shanghai has yet to enter winter, which requires a sustained period of average temperatures below 10 C.

Ninth CIIE opens Nov 5

The ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) will take place from Nov 5 to 10 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

The world's first national-level import-themed expo will feature a Country Exhibition, a Business Exhibition, the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, supporting events, and cultural exchanges.

Read more:

CIIE Shanghai Events and Conferences to gather global participants

CIIE travel made easy: Parking, shuttles, and more

Bund lighting hours adjusted for CIIE

The Bund's landscape lighting hours will be adjusted from Nov 4 to 6 for the expo.

Normal lighting hours: 6 pm–10 pm

Nov 4: 5:30 pm–10 pm

Nov 5–6: 6 pm–11 pm

Visitors planning to see the Bund lit up should check the revised schedule before heading out.

2026 SDG Cities Global Conference opens Nov 2

The 2026 Sustainable Development Goals Cities Global Conference will be held in Shanghai on Nov 2 and 3 at the Grand Halls on the North Bund and other venues.

Under the theme "Regenerating the City: Adequate Housing for All", the conference will explore how urban renewal can improve housing conditions and enhance urban sustainability.

The program includes a plenary session and the World Cities Day International Forum on Sustainable Urban Development.

Read more:

Shanghai hosts 2026 SDG Cities Global Conference

The Industrial Fair Network begins on Nov 3

The Industrial Fair Network will take place from Nov 3 to 6 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

Nearly 2,900 companies from around the world are expected to participate, with exhibition space covering approximately 220,000 square meters.

The event, including PTC Asia, CeMAT Asia, and ComVac Asia, will showcase technologies and solutions covering industrial components, intelligent manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing.

Performances not to miss this week

Der Rosenkavalier

When: Nov 8, 10, and 12

Where: Shanghai Grand Opera House

Berlin's Staatsoper Unter den Linden will present Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier, conducted by Christian Thielemann. The cast includes internationally acclaimed singers Camilla Nylund and Peter Rose.

Kinky Boots

When: Nov 3–15

Where: Shanghai West Bund Theater

The original Broadway production of Kinky Boots comes to Shanghai with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper.

Inspired by a true story, the award-winning musical follows Charlie, who inherits a struggling shoe factory, and Lola, a performer who helps him save the business. The show blends pop, rock, and blues.

Read more:

Exhibitions, musicals, and concerts in November

Sources: General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism