The second Shanghai International Light Festival will run from Sept 26 to Oct 2 at the Changning district sub-venue. Eight large-scale installations at Livat mall will anchor the event, accompanied by night rides, tour routes, and shopping promotions throughout the district.

The festival will link commercial hubs, riverfronts, historic neighborhoods, and major roads, transforming public spaces and landmarks into light shows. Highlights include Aurora Invitation, inspired by northern lights and star trails; Twin Flowers, pairing Shanghai's magnolia with Stockholm's tulip to signal cultural exchange; Touch of Light, a Braille-inspired installation based on poetry about Shanghai; Natural Code, where hand gestures trigger animal imagery; and Fish Leaping under Starlight, which converts carbon-sink data into shimmering public art.

Coinciding with Livat's first anniversary, more than 300 retailers will offer discounts and stage performances during the National Day holiday, with extended free parking.

Last year's festival drew 2.95 million visitors to Changning and boosted local spending by 86.2 percent. This year, the event aims to foster deeper connections between culture, commerce, and community life.

Source: WeChat account of Shanghai Changning media center at "shchangning"