Excitement is really building now, as the Labor Day holiday and the Shanghai Shopping Festival draw near — and the city's Putuo district is set to launch a great series of cultural, commercial, tourism and sports events.

They'll provide both residents and visitors with a total holiday experience that blends shopping, entertainment and leisure.

Innovative shopping takes center stage

This year's shopping festival emphasizes integration across commercial districts, online platforms and the culture-tourism sectors. It all kicks off in late April at the Zhenru Unipark Max shopping mall and runs through to the end of June.

The festival follows a "1+5+1+X" model which features one main event focusing on new consumer experiences such as trendy car boot sale, coffee and bakery fairs and neighborhood lifestyle markets.

Next in the model, there are five sub-venues at major shopping destinations — including Shanghai Global Harbor, Joy City and Bailian Zhonghuan Commerce Plaza. Then there is one revival of signature activities at TOP Central Park — and finally the "X" in the equation represents a series of creative events that are taking place across the district throughout the festival period.

Lure of cultural, tourism highlights

Beyond retail, Putuo is significantly expanding its cultural and tourism offerings. Building on more than 50 successful cultural events in the first quarter, the district will continue to promote its signature tourism brand of the Shanghai Suzhou Creek Half Marathon.

Adding to all the fun, Putuo will launch the Taste of Suzhou Creek art and lifestyle season at Global Harbor on May 19 — China Tourism Day —  which will include the debut of helicopter sightseeing routes.

Moving on, in July the district will host waterfront fun week, a headline happening under the Shanghai Tourism Festival.

Key events throughout the year include the Shanghai International MCN Conference, the Shanghai Esports Amateur Championship and family-friendly weekend magic theater performances.

Educational and heritage-themed events will also be held to mark International Museum Day and the 100th anniversary of martyr Gu Zhenghong's sacrifice.

Dynamic sports 

On the athletics front, Putuo will host an exciting range of water, land and ice-based competitions. During the Dragon Boat Festival, the 21st Suzhou Creek Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament will return, accompanied by a traditional market at Mengqing Garden.

The third half-marathon Suzhou Creek sports lifestyle festival will feature rowing races, top-tier youth ice sports competitions and an expanded ice and snow festival with interactive activities at outdoor and indoor venues.

Source: Official WeChat account of the publicity department of the CPC Putuo district committee at "shputuo"