Shanghai's Putuo district kicked off the 2025 Taste the Art of Coffee Along Suzhou Creek Art and Lifestyle Season on May 19 at the Global Harbor shopping mall, located on North Zhongshan Road in the district.

The month-long event blends coffee culture with tourism, local heritage and retail in innovative ways — aiming to attract hordes of visitors and boost spending.

According to the Putuo district administration of culture and tourism, the area is home to a vibrant coffee scene, with about 470 coffee-related businesses currently operating.

This is the first time the district has hosted the art and lifestyle season on the China Tourism Day, which fell on May 19. It's seen as an opportunity to encourage residents and tourists to slow down and enjoy the place more deeply.

As one of Shanghai's leading cultural and tourism hubs, Global Harbor is expanding its integrated tourism, culture, retail and exhibition services — offering visitors great experiences such as night markets, pop-up performances and cultural displays.

On the same day of the season launch, Global Harbor's open-air observation deck was officially designated a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

At the launch event, 10 handpicked boutique cafes from across Putuo were featured — each representing a hidden gem tucked away in the city's neighborhoods and sharing the local Shanghai spirit through their brews.

Over the next month, Putuo will roll out a series of events, including a coffee-themed city walk tour, a youth social event, marketplaces in the M50 Creative Park and more.

They aim to transform a cup of coffee into a cultural and commercial spark — attracting visitors and energizing the city.

Source: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Putuo Media Center at "shputuo"