As temperatures drop and Shanghai settles into late autumn, the city remains vibrant. The skyline shimmers with lights, markets fill the air with the scent of fresh bread and mulled wine, and the Huangpu waterfront becomes a stage for art and leisure.

Whether you're seeking global culture, outdoor fun, or a festive escape, here are five ways to make the most of your weekend in Shanghai.

Discover the charm of Saudi Arabia

When: Now until Nov 15

• Monday to Friday: 4 pm to 9 pm
• Saturday to Sunday: 9 am to 9 pm

Where: Oriental Pearl Tower, No 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area

Step into an authentic slice of Saudi life at this 1,000-square-meter immersive experience celebrating Saudi culture, music, dance, cuisine, and crafts. The venue recreates the charm of Red Sea coasts, desert oases, and ancient cities, complete with traditional aromas and bustling markets.

Visitors can try on Saudi attire for photos, join craft workshops on Arabic calligraphy or palm weaving, and explore five multimedia zones inspired by Riyadh, Diriyah, Jeddah, the Red Sea, and AlUla.

Don't miss the live performances, where Saudi folk dances meet Chinese lion shows, blending oud melodies and electronic beats into a mesmerizing cross-cultural concert.

A marathon for bread lovers

When: Nov 13 to 16, 11 am to 8 pm

Where: Yuanmingyuan Road, The Bund, Shanghai

The Bread Wander Carnival returns this November with a brand-new theme: Bread Marathon: Keep Going!

Inspired by the spirit of the coming Year of the Horse, this year's event celebrates endurance, patience, and the quiet power of those who keep creating, one loaf at a time.

In an age of constant hustle, the carnival offers a gentle reminder that moving slowly can also mean moving forward. Like a marathon, the process of baking great bread requires patience as it takes time to ferment, and needs frequent care and attention before it reaches perfection.

Gathering 80 bakers from 15 cities across China, the event spotlights those who are redefining what "artisan" really means. Visitors can meet masters of fermentation, innovators of flavor, and creators of brands with true personality. Many rarely appear at public markets, making this a unique opportunity to meet the country's most passionate "bread runners" and taste their signature creations.

Stroll through a blooming riverside wonderland

When: Now until Nov 15

Where: North Bund Riverside Park

Autumn in Shanghai just got more colorful. Along the North Bund waterfront, 38 floral installations created during the floral design competition on Oct 20 have transformed the riverside into a vibrant open-air gallery. Each landscape tells its own story of nature and artistry.

Instead of being dismantled after the competition, the popular works have been kept on site and integrated into the park's greenery, turning a short-term contest into a lasting addition to the city's public space.

Live, picnic, and fun by the river

When: Now until Nov 23

• Friday: 7 pm to 9 pm
• Saturday to Sunday: 3 pm to 9 pm

Where: North Bund Riverside (from the North Bund International Passenger Center to the North Bund National Aviation Center)

Stretching two kilometers along the Huangpu River, this lifestyle festival combines art, nature, and urban leisure. The riverside picnic zone, complete with oversized picnic basket installations, has become a social hotspot where families and friends unwind by the water.

Enjoy street food, craft markets, and open-air concerts while soaking up the autumn sunshine. For a unique experience, hop aboard the NB Shuttle Bus, a scenic ride offering front-row views of both sides of the river — a perfect reminder to slow down and savor the moment.

A fairytale winter at BFC

When: Nov 15 to Dec 28

Where: Bund Finance Center, No 600 East Zhongshan Road Number Two, Huangpu district

A festive winter market is coming to the Bund Finance Center. From Nov 15 to Dec 28, the Weekend Market @ BFC will feature themed zones such as the Finnish Winter Market and the Bund Food Carnival, with each visit promising new surprises.

At the North Plaza, a grand winter tree will set the scene for an array of activities, including ice skating, live DJ sets, pet-friendly events, and outdoor concerts. More than 50 boutique brands are joining the lineup, offering handmade crafts, design pieces, gourmet bites, and cozy drinks. With its inviting scents, vibrant stalls, and lively atmosphere, this market captures the warmth and joy of the season — a perfect place to celebrate winter in Shanghai.

Sources: Official WeChat accounts of Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bread Wander, Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, Hongkou district, Bund Finance Center