This summer, the Gate M West Bund Dream Center — a cultural and leisure destination in Xuhui district — is set to become the city's go-to spot for a heady mix of art, music and family-friendly fun.

Here are some highlights:

Water fountain extravaganza

Starting this month, a new music fountain at the Gate M West Bund Dream Center captivates visitors with an interactive performance every hour, lasting 35 minutes. Performances are held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.

In the evenings, the fountain offers a 10-minute musical performance at the top of every hour from 6 pm to 9 pm. The performance creates a visual and auditory feat that is just perfect for family outings and evening strolls along the water.

Lego's World Play Day

The World Play Day made its debut at the Gate M West Bund Dream Center on June 11. As one of the four global cities hosting the event — alongside London, Berlin and Boston — Shanghai is showcasing a variety of terrific Lego experiences.

Children's creative visions of urban transformation come to life as iconic Shanghai landmarks are reimagined using Lego bricks.

The Oriental Pearl Tower transforms into a rocket, for instance, while the Wukang Building becomes a carousel. This hands-on event invites young minds to explore and create their own versions of the city.

If you go

When: Now to July 27

Where: Gate M West Bund Dream Center, No 2266 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui district

Entry fee: Free

Note: Reservations are required and can be made via the Lego WeChat mini program.

Waterfront concerts

From July onwards, the waterfront music series will bring different musical flash performances each week.

Most notably, mid-July will mark the debut of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra's 2025 Music in the Summer Air Festival, with a special performance at the Gate M West Bund Dream Center.

Audiences can expect a delightful mix of jazz, classical and Latin rhythms, with Shirley Maria and the Latino Project jazz band to perform iconic songs like Wish You Were Here and La Bamba. The Ensemble Accademia Ducale from Italy will also present Rossini's The Barber of Seville overture and waltzes by Beethoven in an exquisite instrumental rendition.

Riverside outdoor cinema

In late August, a special outdoor cinema will make its way to Xuhui Riverside. Visitors can enjoy classic films under the stars — with panoramic views of the river and the sparkling skyline, creating a perfect setting for a relaxed evening by the water.

DreamBox pop-up block

The Gate M West Bund Dream Center is also launching its DreamBox pop-up block, which will showcase a variety of brands from the worlds of fragrance, design accessories and trendy lifestyle products.

The pop-up will feature a mix of exclusive "first stores" and "waterfront custom stores" — innovating the traditional pop-up shop format and offering unique, limited-time experiences for shoppers.

Source: Shanghai Observer