Shanghai's Qingpu district has rolled out more than 60 themed events and expanded its tax refund services as part of the ongoing Shanghai Summer International Consumption Season.

World-class sports and shopping incentives

A major highlight is the 2025 World Rowing Championships, set to take place this September at the Shanghai Water Sports Center in Qingpu. The event is expected to attract nearly 1,200 athletes from around 60 countries and regions, making it one of the city's largest international sporting events this year.

To further boost consumption, Qingpu will offer more than 160 exclusive perks for ticket holders, covering shopping, dining, accommodation, scenic spots, and entertainment.

Immersive culture and rural experiences

The district's summer campaign also features a variety of cultural and lifestyle experiences. In Songze and Fangxia villages, visitors can reconnect with nature and explore creative rural culture through events such as the Forest Lifestyle Festival and the Mushroom Picking Festival.

The "Most Jiangnan" Culture and Tourism Festival will highlight local heritage with ancient town tours, float parades, camping activities, and interactive family outings.

Meanwhile, the Qingpu New City Lawn Music Festival will blend original music with the district's scenic waterways. At Panlong Tiandi, a regenerated historical town, Jiangnan traditions will come to life through live music, long-table banquets, craft markets, and lantern displays. Outdoor films will be screened every Saturday, alongside activities like night tennis, community gatherings, and surfing pop-ups. To support nighttime spending, the area has extended its operating hours to 11 pm throughout the summer.

International tourist services and instant tax refunds

Qingpu is also enhancing its services to better accommodate international travelers. Measures include bilingual assistance, luggage storage, traveler info desks, and easier mobile payments.

Retail hubs are stepping up as well. SHOWAY, a major commercial complex opposite the National Convention and Exhibition Center (Shanghai), will host a unique festival for Generation Z. The event features ACGN merchandise inspired by anime, comics, games, and novels, with themes tied to anime, music, and the Metaverse.

At Bailian Outlets Plaza, a popular shopping destination, inbound tourists can now enjoy instant "refund-upon-purchase" tax refund services on items like clothing, handbags, footwear, and skincare. Luxury brands, including Gucci and Prada, also support in-store instant refunds, making the process faster and more convenient.

In the first half of 2025, Bailian Outlets Plaza processed 3,861 departure tax refund transactions, mainly from visitors from Russia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Compared to last year, the number of transactions increased by 124.74 percent, with total refund amounts rising by 67.9 percent. On average, the service handled between 300 and 600 overseas shoppers per month.

Source: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Qingpu Media Center at "iloveqingpu"