The 2024 Shanghai Service Consumption Ecosystem Innovation Summit was held on Nov 6, as part of the 7th China International Import Expo.

At the summit, the Shanghai Service Consumption Promotion Council unveiled its 2024 service consumption guides and the key events for the fourth quarter, both designed to showcase the top experiences Shanghai has to offer for residents and visitors alike.

Experts at the summit discussed the importance of enhancing service quality to capitalize on opportunities in the service industry. The CIIE was commended for strengthening this sector, presenting a diverse array of high-quality services across areas like healthcare, education, and tourism – all aimed at meeting the growing demand for premium experiences. They also emphasized the value of developing locally-focused "service scenarios" to make each experience more immersive and engaging.

Shanghai's key service consumption events for the fourth quarter include:

1. "Le Shanghai" Service Consumption Coupons

When: Sept 28 through the end of the year

Restaurant, cinema, sports, and hotel vouchers worth 500 million yuan (about $69 million) are available through participating merchants, offering a wide range of experiences.

2. On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt Exhibition

When: July 19, 2024, to Aug 17, 2025

Where: 1F, Shanghai Museum (People's Square)

Featuring 788 artifacts from ancient Egypt, this exhibition offers the largest collection ever seen in Asia.

3. Shanghai Marathon

When: Dec 1

Route: Passes landmarks like the Bund, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Jing'an Temple, Huaihai Road, and Xintiandi

China's only candidate for the World Marathon Majors, promising an exceptional experience for runners.

4. Eternal Notre-Dame VR Digital Immersion Exhibition

When: July 12 to Feb 28, 2025

Where: B1, East Hall 2, Shanghai Exhibition Center

Commemorating 60 years of China-France relations, this VR experience lets visitors explore Notre-Dame's art and architecture.

5. Ruihong Xintiandi Art Festival

When: Sept 15 to Nov 24

Where: No 280 Dongbao Road, Hongkou district

Over 100 performances, including theater, music, dance, and parades, were presented across five themes.

6. Shanghai Happy Valley WOAH!APPY Festival

When: Oct 12 to Nov 17

Enjoy unique Non-Player Character missions and immersive cross-time adventures.

7. Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park's Deep Sea Screaming Season

When: Oct 12 to Nov 17

Get up close with mechanized sea creatures and extraterrestrial characters in a thrilling ocean-themed adventure.

8. 2024 Shanghai Sports Show

When: Nov 28 to 30

Where: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition Hall

Offering brand vouchers, limited-edition items, and sports travel packages, designed to boost participation with creative events.

9. Great Art of Dunhuang Exhibition

When: Sept 20 to Dec 20

Where: China Art Museum

Displays 168 artifacts from the Dunhuang Academy, bringing the essence of Dunhuang culture to Shanghai.

10. 2024 Shanghai Chongming Island Cultural Tourism Festival

When: Sept 20 to Nov 30

Where: Chongming Island

Showcasing over 50 events focused on scenic, seasonal, and rural tourism.

11. The Infinite XR Space Immersive Exhibition

When: July 1 to Dec 31

Where: New World Daimaru Department Store

Experience a breathtaking XR journey through space with real footage from the International Space Station.

12. Shanghai Light Show: The City of Light Chaser

When: 7:30 pm, Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday

Where: F103, Century Plaza, No 588 East Nanjing Road

This immersive digital performance brings Nanjing Road's history to life in five acts.

13. Marina Abramović: Transformation of Energy Exhibition

When: Oct 9 to Feb 28, 2025

Where: Modern Art Museum, No 4777 Binjiang Avenue, Pudong New Area

The first-ever China exhibition by global art icon Marina Abramović.

14. ERA 2: Spirit of Shanghai Acrobatic Show

When: Oct 15 to Nov 30

Where: Shanghai Circus World

A thrilling blend of acrobatics and visuals, celebrating Shanghai's spirit of "excellence".

15. Shanghai's Urban Music Lawn

When: Oct 19 to Nov 12

Where: Shanghai Concert Hall (No 523 East Yan'an Road, Huangpu district)

Part of the 23rd China Shanghai International Arts Festival, with 17 concerts on a charming outdoor lawn.

16. Fantasy Magic Festival

When: Oct 12 to Nov 10

Where: Jinjiang Amusement Park (No 201 Hongmei Road)

Step into four haunted houses and magical worlds for a 360-degree immersive adventure.

Sources: Shanghai Observer, Official WeChat account of the Shanghai Service Consumption Promotion Council