Despite the sweltering summer heat, the lively energy at Daning Music Plaza in Shanghai's Jing'an district on the evening of Aug 8 was impossible to ignore as the local snack festival came to life.

The air was filled with irresistible aromas: spicy wontons in chili oil, crispy oyster omelettes, and juicy pan-fried buns. As one of the highlights of the Shanghai Summer International Consumption Season, the festival runs from Aug 8 to 17, open every evening from 5 pm to 10 pm, offering a 10-day culinary celebration.

Guided by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce and hosted by the Shanghai Commercial Association, this year marks the sixth edition of the snack festival.

Visitors are treated to the culinary talents of renowned chefs from famous restaurants. The Shanghai Chef Alliance showcases 10 well-known restaurant chains, each offering a variety of seasonal delicacies. Among the must-try dishes are spicy crayfish, braised pig trotters, chicken feet, and dried tofu, each a feast for the senses.

In addition to beloved local snacks, this year's festival features a diverse range of themed sections, such as Shanghai souvenirs, regional specialties, cooking demonstrations, a beer carnival, and international products. Visitors can enjoy special discounts on items like Shaoxing rice wine, Yunnan mushrooms and black-haired pork, Northeast black corn, Shaanxi winter jujubes, and Shandong fruits and vegetables. International offerings include high-quality beef, lamb, and seafood from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative such as Argentina and Brazil.

One of the festival's most exciting features is its integration with Shanghai's cultural and tourism economy, promoting the city's "ticket stub economy". When visitors spend 50 yuan (about $6.96) at any stall, they can buy a sightseeing day pass at half price, originally priced at 50 yuan. The pass offers unlimited rides on the city's sightseeing bus lines 1 and 2 on the same day and is valid for one year.

If you go

When: Daily from now until Aug 17, 5 pm to 10 pm

Where: Daning Music Plaza, No 777 Wanrong Road, Jing'an district

Source: Shanghai Observer