Shanghai's Putuo district is just buzzing with excitement right now as the 2025 Shanghai Shopping Festival — running from May 1 to late June — continues to galvanize consumer enthusiasm across the city.

A major highlight of the festival in Putuo is the Banma Suhe Sports and Life Festival, which spans the entire month of May. This special event combines sports and shopping to bring refreshing energy to early summer — drawing in both residents and tourists through its very special Shopping Area Challenge Series.

The first stop of the challenge series kicked off at Zhenru Unipark Max shopping mall on May 1. The Give Me 5 challenge invited participants to complete five fun tasks — cycling, table tennis, VR skiing, rowing and pickleball.

The event attracted a wide range of folks, from young people testing their stamina to families teaming up for fun. Successful participants were rewarded with themed merchandise and some discount coupons.

On May 11, the Land of Blossoms shopping plaza hosted a women's challenge featuring Baduanjin — a Chinese breathing exercise. A storytelling activity encouraged mothers to co-create stories using picture books, celebrating motherhood and female creativity. A lively tug-of-war followed, where the mothers' cheers and determination echoed their strength and spirit.

Running alongside the event was an interactive exhibition. Through art installations, parent-child workshops and a pop-up women's brand market, the exhibition explored women's diverse roles at home and in the workplace.

The Banma Suhe festival also featured some strong retail tie-ins. Zhenru Unipark Max offered a great 5 percent discount at its TREK bike store from May 1 to June 2, in addition to citywide shopping festival benefits.

Meanwhile, the Land of Blossoms rolled out special offers on food, retail, fitness and roller skating throughout May — offering a one-stop experience for healthy and enjoyable living.

The kick-off events are setting the stage for the main festival, which runs from May 30 to June 2 at Suzhou Creek Half Marathon Park.

Featuring everything from table tennis and skateboarding to a pet-friendly sports carnival, the event will also host a lifestyle market and a mini camp for kids. Built on the themes of innovation, inclusiveness, sharing and sustainability, the festival aims to connect sports and shopping across all age groups.

Launched by the Putuo district administration of sports in 2022, the Banma Suhe festival has really grown into a signature event. It was listed as a model case in the 2023 Shanghai Sports Consumption Festival.

In 2025, the festival has been upgraded once again — now integrated into the Shanghai Amateur Games and recognized as a top-tier event under the national Fashion Sports Festival, expanding its influence from a local attraction to a national draw.

Source: Official WeChat account of the publicity department of the CPC Putuo district committee at "shputuo"