The second Shanghai International Light Festival will take place from Sept 19 to Oct 18, transforming the city into a stage of light and imagination under the theme "Light Up Shanghai".

This year's edition will feature one main venue and 16 sub-venues, offering 177 events that immerse both residents and international visitors in a world of visual and sensory wonder.

A spectacle at the West Bund main venue

The West Bund will be the centerpiece of the festival, presenting a rich program of projection shows, exhibitions, and academic forums.

From Sept 19 to 28, the West Bund Dome Art Center will unveil a record-breaking 3,000-square-meter glasses-free 3D dome projection, while the West Bund Theater will stage a narrative projection mapping show that integrates the building's contours and textures. Visitors can also meet "Xiao Lingguang", an AI-powered virtual guide making its debut.

Along the Xuhui riverside, 218 works by light artists from 19 countries and regions will be on display, including six award-winning pieces presented in prime locations.

Meanwhile, the SMC Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center will host an international symposium on light art, exploring themes such as AI-driven creativity, the night economy, and sustainable lighting technologies.

Note:

Events at the West Bund Dome Art Center require tickets, but free admission is available with advance reservation.

Tickets will be released on Sept 12 at 12 pm and 4 pm, and again on Sept 19 at 12 pm and 4 pm.

Scan the QR code to reserve your spot!

A citywide constellation of sub-venues

Beyond the main venue, 16 sub-venues across Shanghai will stage distinctive light-themed programs:

- Xuhui district (Sept 19 to Oct 8) will extend light art into the Xujiahui shopping area, the Neo World metaverse-inspired block, and the Hengshan Road-Fuxing Road Historical and Cultural Block.

- Pudong New Area (Sept 27 to Oct 18) will stage a twin-tower laser sky show at the Gate of Science and a skyline symphony of light in Lujiazui.

- Huangpu district (Sept 20 to Oct 18) will blend light art with night markets, pet-friendly parks, and street fairs to energize the city's night economy.

- Hongkou district (Sept 28 to Oct 12) will use landmarks such as The Grand Halls and the Shanghai Post Museum to tell the story of the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek.

- Yangpu district (Sept 29 to Oct 7) will stage a fantastical "intangible cultural heritage plus cyberpunk" show on Fuxing Island.

- Putuo district (Sept 28 to Oct 5) will merge new shopping areas with historic architecture to create a hybrid space of art, business, and ecology.

- Jing'an district (Sept 29 to Oct 8) will transform murals into immersive projections, bringing Dunhuang culture to life.

- Changning district (Sept 26 to Oct 2) will showcase urban development and daily life through light art at Livat Shanghai, extending along Yan'an Elevated Road and Suzhou Creek, and radiating into iconic commercial and historical areas such as Zhongshan Park, the Hongqiao-Gubei area, and the Hengshan Road-Fuxing Road Historical and Cultural Block.

- Baoshan district (Sept 26 to Oct 12) will combine drones, fireworks, and water screens in a special show.

- Minhang district (Sept 22 to Oct 8) will launch a 7-kilometer illuminated "light belt" beginning at Qibao Old Street.

- Lin-gang Special Area (Sept 29 to Oct 8) will weave together parades, a Mid-Autumn Gala, an international arts festival, and boat tours at Dishui Lake.

- Fengxian district (Sept 24 to Oct 8) will pair light art with the MXGP World Motocross Championship, blending sports and spectacle.

- Jinshan district (Sept 21 to Oct 8) will light up its coastline with beach projections and fountain shows.

- Jiading district (Sept 28 to Oct 12) will highlight cultural heritage by linking Nanxiang Ancient Town's Guochao (China chic) Festival with light art.

- Songjiang district (Sept 27 to Oct 8) will send AI guide Xiao Lingguang on a "roots-seeking journey" at the Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park.

- Qingpu district (Sept 21 to Oct 11) will stage a special show inspired by the 6,000-year-old Songze culture and its distinctive five-colored fireflies.

Tradition meets innovation

This year's festival emphasizes heritage and innovation, with many popular installations from the inaugural edition receiving significant upgrades. Last year's viral "Tyndall Effect", for instance, has been reimagined as a more technologically advanced and emotionally resonant immersive light show.

Projection mapping has also reached new heights. The dome show at the West Bund now delivers a fully 360-degree experience, while the West Bund Theater's facade projection introduces glasses-free 3D effects that surpass the flat visuals seen last year at the Shanghai Exhibition Center.

Adding to the excitement, nine cutting-edge interactive installations have been selected from more than 20 global entries. Powered by advanced sensors, algorithms, and projection technology, these works invite real-time audience participation, ensuring every visitor enjoys a personal and unforgettable light journey.

Source: official WeChat account of the General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government at "shanghaifabu"