Things to Do in Shanghai: New Events & Hot Spots (Updated 2026)

The altar tables in temples are even more interesting than supermarket shelves. Apples, tangerines, and pineapples line up in a row, with a bottle of red soda standing in the middle. First-timers do a double take, while people next to them don’t even look up. 🛕 Erawan Shrine・red soda is standard 📍 Address: Ratchadamri Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, next to the Erawan Hotel (opposite Gaysorn Mall) 🎒 What to bring: garlands, a coconut, fruit, plus a bottle of red soda. If you want to be formal, follow the four elements—lotus, water, incense, candles. ✨ Why it’s special: the red soda isn’t a joke—locals really put it on the altar. A row of red bottles squeezed between garlands and coconuts is more memorable than the offerings themselves. 🛕 God of love shrine・the whole table should be red 📍 Address: Rama I Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, plaza in front of CentralWorld 🎒 What to bring: a bouquet of red roses, a pair of red candles, three incense sticks, and a bottle of red strawberry soda ✨ Why it’s special: red roses with red candles—and even the soda has to be red. The color coordination is more intense than on Valentine’s Day. 🛕 Guangxiao Temple・offer odd numbers, not even 📍 Address: No. 109 Guangxiao Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 🎒 What to bring: 3 or 5 apples or tangerines—set an odd number ✨ Why it’s special: one of the oldest temples in the Lingnan region. The old rule favors odd numbers to show single-minded devotion; covering the whole table looks more like moving house. 🛕 Nanputuo Temple・pineapple = prosperity comes 📍 Address: No. 515 Siming South Road, Siming District, Xiamen 🎒 What to bring: one pineapple, with tangerines and apples ✨ Why it’s special: in the southern coastal regions and among Southeast Asian Chinese communities, pineapple is called “ong lai” or “wang lai,” meaning “prosperity comes.” On the altar, the name matters more than the fruit itself. 🛕 Jing'an Temple・apples stand for peace 📍 Address: No. 1686 Nanjing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai 🎒 What to bring: 3 apples, washed and dried, don’t peel them ✨ Why it’s special: an old temple in a bustling district. In Chinese, “apple” carries the sound “ping,” which suggests peace and safety; it’s not about price. Leave the peel on to symbolize wholeness. 🛕 Gui Yuan Buddhist Temple・skip the pears 📍 Address: No. 20 Guiyuan Temple Road, Hanyang District, Wuhan 🎒 What to bring: apples, tangerines, or persimmons are fine—pick out the pears ✨ Why it’s special: the Arhat Hall houses 500 arhats. In Chinese, “pear” (li) sounds like “parting,” making it the most taboo item for the altar. Older folks will check their bags before entering. Offerings on the altar aren’t for anyone to eat. They’re your way of saying, “I’m taking this seriously.” Before your next temple visit, check your bag first—bringing the right thing helps more than bringing an expensive one. What offering customs do you have where you live? 👇 ⚠️ These offering tips come from folk customs. Blessings come from your intention, and you’re still responsible for your own life.

Shanghai Disney Resort’s third Disney-themed hotel—Shanghai Disney Wishing Star Hotel—will celebrate its grand opening on December 16, 2026. Bookings open at 12:00 AM on November 6. Adjacent to Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, the property offers sweeping views of Shanghai Disneyland and Wishing Star Lake. It is an elegant new resort hotel within Shanghai Disney Resort. Step into this all-new hotel inspired by Disney’s iconic "wishing star," and it feels like wandering through a romantic fairytale hideaway. Classic Disney stories accompany you and your family on a dreamlike getaway. The architecture blends graceful Art Nouveau with distinctive Shanghai style, with story scenes and character details sprinkled throughout the hotel, immersing you in a fairytale ambiance at every turn. A variety of themed rooms create a comfortable, premium retreat. The hotel features extensive play areas, with two pools * (indoor and outdoor), an indoor splash zone, an indoor play area, and outdoor play spaces that let kids freely explore and play—making it a hassle-free choice for family trips. Stroll the hotel with your family and you may encounter Disney surprises at any moment. Immersive Disney-themed experiences run throughout your stay: lobby welcome moments, dazzling evening performances, and a special bedtime story segment. With Disney magic around the clock, the hotel itself becomes a destination for your family’s journey. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle buses and a free ferry for convenient trips to and from Shanghai Disneyland and Disney Town. A wide variety of dining options bring high-quality delights all day, and the hotel shop offers exclusive merchandise so you can take the magic home. Every space is crafted with care, inviting you and your family to immerse yourselves in a fairytale and enjoy a delightful, complete Disney vacation. *The outdoor pool is open during specific seasons. Actual opening times depend on weather and operations.

Shanghai’s shortest season is stretching itself out with a full month of chrysanthemums. 🌼 Forty years of splendor, a city steeped in chrysanthemum charm The 2026 Shanghai Chrysanthemum Exhibition opens on Oct 24 and runs through Nov 29, themed “Four decades of elegance in autumn hues, a garden of chrysanthemum charm writing a new chapter.” For the first time, the exhibition adopts a citywide format of 1 main venue + 6 themed sub-venues—one main venue and six sub-venues, from Huangpu to Qingpu and from Jing’an to Songjiang, each with its own highlights so every visit feels fresh. 🌳 Main venue · Shanghai Gongqing Forest Park: 40 years of chrysanthemum stories The main venue is at Shanghai Gongqing Forest Park, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Building on the park’s natural foundation of forest, lawns, and waterways, the exhibition is arranged into three sections: · Best of the best—centered on a chrysanthemum floral art show, showcasing Shanghai-style arrangements in six traditional vessels: vases, baskets, plates, bowls, tubes, and jars. Six scenic nodes—such as a floral welcome and pineside elegance—are linked to form a forest trail for chrysanthemum viewing with “one exhibition and six scenes.” · Blossoming artistry—over 600 varieties and nearly 1,000 potted masterpieces of single-stem, multi-head, and desk chrysanthemums are on display. Multiple national gold medal winners make an appearance, including “Gushui Red Lotus,” “Purple Clouds and Flying Moon,” “Phoenix with Spreading Wings,” “Thousand-Armed Guanyin,” and “Fire Phoenix.” · Heroes gathered—7 large outdoor themed attractions are set along the riverbanks and green spaces, including “The Flower Deity’s Crossing” and “Chrysanthemum Charm at Gongqing · Forty Years of Grace,” complemented by a waterside chrysanthemum belt and a golden sea of blooms. Don’t miss two spots: the Monet Garden by the Swan Pond lawn sits beside the water, where colorful chrysanthemums reflect on the surface, widely considered the most photogenic corner in the park; the flower sea at the East Gate paints a brilliant golden autumn with extensive sunflowers and edible chrysanthemums “Guowei.” The park has also set up a citizen’s chrysanthemum showcase so everyday flower lovers can take center stage. 🐕 Sub-venues · One city, six scenes—each district with its signature · Jing’an · Suhe Bay Central Green: the top IP “Liaocao Puppy” debuts an autumn-limited look—491 pots of chrysanthemum materials and a 101 sq m ground border, with a vest made from the horticultural variety “Xiao Kaluo,” where pale pink and lilac create a velvety feel. The border also features ten renowned traditional chrysanthemums, including Ten-Fathom Curtain, Golden Queen, Commander’s Banner, Ink Lotus, and Master Huang Shigong. The border is nearing full bloom; in 4–5 days, it will be at its best. · Huangpu · Fuxing Park: an “ring swing” installation links with the main venue, blending misty veils, floral scents, and chrysanthemum floral art for an immersive, restorative experience. · Putuo · Yichuan Park: driven by tech, with the “Smart Little Chrysanthemum” voice-interactive robot and a naked-eye 3D sphere light, paired with lakefront chrysanthemum scenes and cliff chrysanthemums along the riverbanks. · Songjiang · Zuibaichi Park: the 52nd chrysanthemum show, with 4 signature landscapes and 11 check-in points. Over 100 varieties and more than 11,000 pots are displayed in halls such as Xuehaitang and Chishang Caotang, while over 200 osmanthus trees fill the garden with fragrance. · Qingpu · Qushui Garden: a classic Jiangnan garden where halls, waterside pavilions, white walls, and ancient architecture complement sculpted chrysanthemums for the most refined autumn vibe. · Minhang · Crane Valley Flower Farm: a golden autumn fair with classical-style scenes and multiple chrysanthemum categories, with the exhibition extended to Dec 13. 🎫 Stamp collection: if you can’t see it all at once, split it into a few trips From Oct 24 to Nov 29, check in and collect stamps at each venue. Collect 4 stamps to redeem a souvenir. Pick up a stamp booklet at the visitor center by the west gate of Zuibaichi Park. Show a ticket stub from any venue or your stamp booklet at Zuibaichi to enjoy discounted admission—and while you’re there, explore the nearby shopping districts. Chrysanthemums take their time; a month is enough to wander all seven spots at your own pace—the most graceful way to bid farewell to autumn, perhaps, is just this.

On Nov 5, the 9th CIIE opened at the "four-leaf clover." Inside the venue, exhibits from 162 countries and regions filled the stands. Outside, Shanghai turned the whole city into an "exhibition zone"—buses are free, river cruises are half price, and museums have free entry. Just show your credential. 1️⃣ Record-breaking scale: 4,142 overseas companies on board This CIIE runs Nov 5–10 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). A total of 162 countries, regions, and international organizations are participating, with 4,142 overseas companies exhibiting—the most ever. The total exhibition area exceeded 440,000 sq m for the first time, including more than 370,000 sq m for the enterprise exhibition. The exhibitor lineup stands out: Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders surpassed 300 for the first time; nearly 200 companies and institutions have attended all nine editions; and more than 2,000 companies are first-time exhibitors. The country exhibition features 69 countries and international organizations, with Canada and Sri Lanka as guest countries of honor. More than 480 representative innovations are debuting, with a record number of global, Asia, and China premieres. 2️⃣ 12 double-decker buses free to ride, 60+ attractions linked by route From Nov 5–10, 12 double-decker sightseeing bus routes are free for CIIE credential holders, covering 60+ major attractions in the city center. Open the "Suishenxing" app or mini program, go to the "2026 CIIE transportation services section," and get your free ride voucher with one tap. Sit in the front row on the upper deck. From The Bund to Wukang Road, you can sweep through Shanghai in the time it takes for one ride. 3️⃣ Suzhou Creek cruises half price, as low as CNY 15 per ticket The offer runs Nov 1–30, a full month. With a CIIE credential, you can buy half-price tickets for regular sailings. Choose a regular sailing after Nov 1 and select the "CIIE spillover discount" ticket type. When boarding, present your valid ID and valid CIIE credential together. The information on both must match. Short on time? Pick the 15-minute express to skim the waterfront. Want a deeper tour? Take the 90-minute route—Changfeng Park, Mengqing Garden, M50 Creative Park, and Tian An 1000 Trees unfold one after another, like a moving guidebook to the city. 4️⃣ Pujiang night cruise and China Maritime Museum benefits From Nov 1–25, discounted tickets for the Pujiang night cruise are available in the dedicated section. With relevant CIIE credentials, exchange your ticket and board at Shiliupu Pier 1. During the same period, the China Maritime Museum in Shanghai offers free admission for credential holders, with 15% off for VR exhibits. In addition, from Nov 1–30 there are extra perks: special CIIE pricing for cruise buffets, 40% off express cruise tickets, and a 60-minute route linking The Bund’s architectural ensemble, Nanpu Bridge, and Lujiazui. 5️⃣ By the way: free micro-vacation buses in Qingpu From Nov 5–10, Qingpu is running free "CIIE micro-vacation" shuttle routes connecting key host hotels, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, Panlong Tiandi, and Bailian Outlets. After the expo, no need to rush back to your hotel—one bus ride takes you to the old town for a bowl of Grandma’s zongzi. Before you go, remember these tips ✅ All benefits require a valid CIIE credential. The credential must match the ticket buyer’s identity information. Do not use someone else’s credential. ✅ For Suzhou Creek half-price tickets, select the pier and sailing time in the mini program in advance. Available sailings are subject to real-time information. ✅ The free voucher for double-decker buses must be claimed in the "Suishenxing" section. We recommend claiming it on the day you enter to avoid last-minute congestion. ✅ Nov 5–10 is peak expo season. Avoid morning and evening rush hours, and plan your outings for the afternoon and night. ✅ See the world inside the halls, and see Shanghai from the water. This week, the city’s best views are on full display—credential in hand, off you go.

On Oct 30, the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced an extension to the APEC Business Travel Card stay period: to further facilitate business travel across the Asia-Pacific region, China has decided to extend the maximum stay in China for APEC Business Travel Card holders from 60 days to 90 days, effective from Nov 1, 2026. 🔸 Who is eligible Holders of a valid APEC Business Travel Card from other economies (i.e., travelers entering China). This does not include cases where Chinese citizens use the card to depart China. 🔸 What's changing Maximum stay per entry in China: 60 days → 90 days. 🔸 Effective date Effective from Nov 1, 2026. The new standard applies to entries on or after Nov 1.

From the subway exit to golden waves of rice, just one Wishing Bridge away 🌾 Scenery right outside the station, a Shanghai village with rare direct subway access Take Line 16 to Huanan East Station. From Exit 1, cross the bridge, and a patchwork of gold and green rice fields stretches out before you. This is Haishen Village in Huanan Town, Pudong New Area—one of Shanghai’s rare villages with direct subway access. No transfers, no navigation needed. Step out of the station and you’re in the picture. By November, the rice fields have turned fully golden. When the wind blows, waves of grain ripple with a soft rustle. Stand on the field ridge and you’ll see white walls and gray-tiled cottages in the distance and waist-high rice ears up close. The laid-back countryside vibe beats many scenic spots. 🎨 About 10 acres of “rainbow” rice fields, with world-famous paintings in the paddies The highlight of Haishen Village is about 10 acres of multicolored rice fields. This year’s theme is “Peach-drunk Huanan, smart-sharing field bonds.” Cartoon peach fairies and fruit motifs are woven into the rice waves, with crisp blocks of light and dark. Look down from the viewing platform and the land becomes a giant canvas. Even more eye-catching are the art installations hidden in the sea of rice: Millet’s “The Gleaners” and Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” These textbook masterpieces are recreated as standing displays in the fields. With golden rice framing the oil paintings, the countryside feels like an open-air art museum. No ticket required. No staged sets. The rice fields are the perfect frame. 🚴 More than rice fields—it’s also an Olympic champion’s hometown Many don’t know that Haishen Village is the hometown of Olympic track cycling champion Zhong Tianshi. Leveraging this, the village has shaped itself into a destination for ecology + cycling + rural tourism, and even created a Zhong Tianshi honor room displaying her medals and trophies. Cycling fans can loop around the village greenway. The views are best in fall when the rice turns gold. You’ll also find “champion” ice cream and other creative souvenirs that let you take a little victory home. 🗺️ See the village highlights in one route The official route: Earth Art Viewing Area, Yofeng Courtyard, Old Eight Specials Revisited, Rural Innovation Space, Naying Wild Camping Base. The Earth Art Viewing Area showcases the rice-field art and famous painting installations—it’s the village core. Be sure to go up the viewing platform. Yofeng Courtyard is compact but photogenic at every step. Sip Yunnan specialty coffee, try Yunnan-style meals, and join a hands-on craft session. Old Eight Specials Revisited serves homestyle country dishes—free-range chicken, three-delicacy soup, mixed river fish, and greens pulled fresh from the fields. The owner says he used to be a deep-sea chef, has sailed to 38 countries, and once encountered Somali pirates. Sit down for a meal and you could listen to his stories all afternoon. The Rural Innovation Space repurposes abandoned homes. Its 3D facade is an online-famous landmark, open year-round. Inside, the “Shier Workshop” features a pastry counter, a coffee corner, a country brewhouse, and an art studio, plus souvenirs like Four Seasons Haishen puzzles, custom rice wine, and seasonal silk scarves. Naying Wild Camping Base spans about 1.6 acres. You can barbecue, paddle a kayak, and play with pets—an easy way to wrap up your itinerary. 👨‍👩‍👧 Great for kids too—the fields are their playground Kids won’t get bored here. Huanan Town has hosted a family-friendly orienteering event right in the rice fields, with over 80 families running along the ridges. The route connects the Earth Art viewing platform, the Zhong Tianshi honor room, and village lanes, with cultural experiences, parent-child teamwork, and fun challenges as checkpoints. 🚇 Getting there and getting around Address: Haishen Village, Huanan Town, Pudong New Area (3A-rated scenic area) Admission: Free, no reservation needed Subway: Line 16 to Huanan East Station, Exit 1. Cross the bridge and walk right in. Driving: Set your navigation to “Haishen Village Committee.” There is a parking lot in the village. In the village: Free shuttle. Flag to stop. It runs a loop connecting all the main photo spots. Operating hours: 9:00–11:00 AM, 2:00–4:30 PM. 📌 Before you go, keep these in mind The rice fields are seasonal. Harvest starts in early November. If you want that golden glow, go this week—wait longer and you’ll only see stubble. The best photos are after 4:00 PM when soft, slanting light hits the rice and pairs beautifully with the art displays. Morning light is harsh and prone to overexposure. Wear light colors—cream, beige, and dusty pink look better than black. There are mosquitoes by the fields—bring repellent. The ridge soil is soft—skip the white sneakers. The shuttle takes a lunch break and pauses from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If you’re exploring at midday, you’ll be walking, so plan your itinerary around shuttle times. Be respectful. Please don’t step into the rice fields. This is the villagers’ yearly harvest. After your photos, circle back to the ridge to exit. Walk out of the subway, cross the Wishing Bridge, and about 10 acres of rice waves unfold before you. The romance of Shanghai in the fall is closer than you think—a short ride on Line 16 is all it takes.

Bread, coffee, handmade goods, and everything else you love, all laid out by Suzhou Creek. 🎯 Three days, 75 brands—experience them all in one stroll Nov 13–15 at Rockbund, the YouYou Bread Lifestyle Festival. Its name nods to “having it all” and to “you and your friends.” The idea was simple: a love of bread and the lifestyle that rises around it. 75 brands from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, France, Japan, and Thailand. 25 are visiting Shanghai for the first time, so you can finally meet the bakeries you’ve been following online. Even better, all 75 owners will be there in person—no stand-ins, no temps. Feel free to ask them: how long did this sourdough ferment, and why choose this flour? A lap around feels like a kid let loose in a granary. 🥖 Bread & drinks: top bakeries from China and abroad Nanseitei from Fukuoka’s Ohori Park is bringing its sourdough made only with Tanaka organic wheat flour; the sugar is raw Kikaijima cane, the salt is handcrafted in Nagasaki, and even the raisins, walnuts, and chocolate are organic. Shenzhen’s Xiangye Bakery teams up again with its old friends from Yongkang to spotlight breads baked with Chinese wheat; Macau’s sourdough-only SQUARE SOURDOUGH offers vegan and gluten-free custom loaves and sells its own milled flour and starters; Salt & Bread from Ningbo has been a sensation since 2021—online drops vanish in seconds and their signatures sell out before noon. They’re bringing a dark ale potato cheese sourdough and a rose & Manchego sheep-milk Lodève. Wheel Store & FOAK from Zhongshan make whole-wheat muffins with levain, Kasama Coffee from Kichijoji, Tokyo, is famed for its deep hand-net roast and slow flannel drip, and Ethicus Coffee from Shizuoka placed third in the 2026 World Coffee Roasting Championship (Japan region). You’ll also meet well-loved names like DouShi Bakery from Guangzhou, Maororo from Wenzhou, Settle.d from Ningbo, and Shell Coffee from Ningbo. 🪑 Lifestyle: vintage aprons, handmade lamps, niche stationery River and Roads from Chiang Mai is a boutique co-founded by the creator of Southeast Asia’s indigo label Jibberish; Shanghai’s Niz market opened its brick-and-mortar shop on Xinle Road this September, specializing in works from Japanese kilns and artisans; Plokámi from Chongqing focuses on clothing from 1900–1950, with the owner sourcing in France twice a year—visits are by appointment only. Guangzhou’s PetitQuies crafts handmade silver jewelry, blublublu from Huizhou creates bespoke ceramics, Apronne from Changsha turns aprons into pieces you can actually wear out, and Shanghai’s HANAOU inherits 80 years of the Japanese Yamauchi tradition, with works shown at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Shenzhen’s atelier33 brings vintage household objects—its first outing beyond Guangdong. Vintage aprons, handmade lamps, culinary books, niche stationery—you might spot the very pieces from your favorite hidden shops. 🎨 Three interactive sessions—join any of them and your entry is on us Bread illustration class | Japanese illustrator Yoko Akiyama has been painting bread since 1990. She’s bringing her 2027 Bread Calendar and other illustrated goodies. Sit down and sketch the loaf you just bought, then take home both the bread and your artwork. Nov 13, 14, and 15 at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, about 60 mins, 6 seats per session. Bread on the YouYou table | Bread scholar Hiroaki Ikeda, founder of Pan Labo and known as the "bread fanatic," teams up with Cu Xiaogui for a Sino-Japanese tasting. Sample panettone and country loaves from 8 top bakeries while exploring the culinary culture behind festive and everyday breads. Nov 14 and 15 at 5:00 PM, about 90 mins, 40 seats per session. Botanical dye workshop | Pick petals and leaves, arrange and bundle them, steam, then unwrap the surprise. Make a hemp tea towel, cotton socks, a calendar, or a cashmere scarf and take your piece home. Nov 13–15, starts 11:30 AM daily, crafting takes 10–30 mins—you can return about 2 hrs later to collect your creation. 🍞 Pop-up stalls: a three-day movable feast Nov 13: Huang Zuodun of Zuodun Bakery makes his first appearance at a national market. Devoted to indigenous grains, he stone-mills ancient Chinese wheat from his own farm and is hailed as the "ambassador of Chinese wheat." He’ll bring several rare local varieties you seldom see. Nov 14: Abi from Andante in Hangzhou pairs every loaf with a hand-drawn sketch, using house-cultured grape yeast and custom flour blends. No piling on ingredients—just patient fermentation. Also on Nov 14, Bread-selling Cookie from Weifang—open only 2 days a week and nearly impossible to snag online—will show how perfecting the basics can be sublime. With the lineup rotating daily, this three-day market is a flowing banquet for bread lovers. 📍 Before you go, take note Time: Nov 13–15, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM daily Venue: Rockbund (on Suzhou Creek where it meets the Huangpu River) Tickets: On sale for 4 days only, includes map + stamp card Weekends get crowded. For a relaxed visit, come Friday afternoon. First, pick up a map at the info desk and plan your route with stamps—one loop is just right for all 75 stalls. After buying your bread, don’t rush off. Take your coffee to the banks of Suzhou Creek and stay awhile. The market lasts only three days, but the pleasure of wandering and chatting at leisure is worth setting aside an entire afternoon.

The most expensive wish these days isn’t getting rich overnight—it’s a clean bill of health. To help with that wish, many temples already offer set “packages”: Some enshrine the Medicine Buddha for dispelling misfortune and extending life—offer a lamp, hang a prayer plaque, and hope for no red arrows on your test results. Elsewhere, people lean on two everyday practices for wellness—bathing the Buddha with blessed water and releasing animals to accumulate merit. Here’s your health and wellness guide to 6 temples ⬇️ 🛕 Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple · Medicine Buddha Hall lamp offering 📍 Address: No. 170 Anyuan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai 🙏 How to pray: Enter the Medicine Buddha Hall to pay respects and offer a Medicine Buddha lamp. Lamps are kept burning year-round—when the light is on, the heart is at ease. ✨ Highlights: The Medicine Buddha is known as the Great King of Medicine, focusing on dispelling misfortune and extending life. In the hall at Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple, the Medicine Buddha holds a medicine bowl in his left hand. Come here if you’re hoping for a test report with no red arrows. 🛕 Nanjing Jiming Temple · The Pharmacist Stupa 📍 Address: No. 1 Jiming Temple Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing 🙏 How to pray: Walk clockwise around the stupa 3 times while silently voicing your wish—pray for protection and longevity. ✨ Highlights: The stupa is literally named the Disaster-Dissipating, Life-Extending Pharmacist Stupa. Inside is a Ming-dynasty bronze statue of the Medicine Buddha. Visitors can also light an auspicious lamp for blessings and protection. 🛕 Kaiyuan Temple, Fuzhou · Medicine Buddha practice site 📍 Address: Kaiyuan Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou 🙏 How to pray: In Lingyuan Pavilion’s Medicine Buddha Hall, pay respects to the Medicine Buddha—one hand holds a medicine bottle, the other herbal medicine—believed to treat unexplained ailments. ✨ Highlights: Since the Tang dynasty, this has been an important site for Medicine Buddha practice. A couplet in the temple reads, “Long life brings vigor, and calamity dispelled brings peace and prosperity,” lending historic confidence to your wish for health. 🛕 Great Buddha Zen Temple, Mount Emei · Medicine Buddha Hall 📍 Address: Emeishan City, Sichuan (at the foot of Mount Emei) 🙏 How to pray: In the Great Brilliance Hall (the Medicine Buddha Hall), pay respects to the gilded Medicine Buddha. You’ll see herbal medicines and bottles set out—light incense and pray for health and peace. ✨ Highlights: Pray at the Medicine Buddha Hall at the foot of Mount Emei, then head straight up Mount Emei—a one-stop wellness journey. 🛕 Wat Pho, Bangkok · Bathing the Buddha for blessings 📍 Address: Next to The Grand Palace, Bangkok (Wat Pho) 🙏 How to pray: Come in the morning during Songkran to bathe the Buddha—ladle jasmine-infused blessed water and gently pour it over the statue (avoiding the head) to wash away last year’s bad luck. ✨ Highlights: One of the most famous places in Bangkok for bathing the Buddha. Morning alms-giving by monks plus the bathing ritual feels more festive and meaningful than street water splashing. 🛕 Wat Chai Mongkhon, Chiang Mai · Releasing animals to accumulate merit 📍 Address: Chiang Mai, Thailand (by the Ping River) 🙏 How to pray: Buy a bag of fish or a turtle at the temple, then release it by the Ping River. Releasing animals equals merit, and you’re wishing for a smooth year. ✨ Highlights: Locals come regularly to release animals—fish, birds, frogs, and turtles. Take a stroll by the river afterward for both merit and scenery. When it comes to health, praying brings peace of mind. Real confidence comes from checkups, good routines, and a positive mindset. ⚠️ For cultural and psychological reference only. Prayers offer inner calm, while health relies on regular checkups, consistent routines, and evidence-based care. Sincere intentions help, and so do your actions.

Shanghai is the best starting point for trips across eastern and central China, with convenient high-speed rail and international airports connecting to Beijing, Xi'an, Huangshan, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and more. It’s ideal for day trips and multi-day journeys. 🚉 Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station 📍 Location: Hongqiao Business District, Minhang District, Shanghai ✨ Highlights: • One of China’s busiest high-speed rail hubs, with routes to Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. • Seamless connection to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2, with direct access to subway Lines 2, 10, and 17. • Spacious waiting hall. Arrive 15 minutes early and wait inside the station. 🚄 Shanghai rail network 📍 Location: Covering eastern and central China ✨ Highlights: • North to Beijing in as fast as 4 hours 25 minutes, and south to Hangzhou in as fast as 45 minutes. • West to Nanjing, Huangshan, Wuhan, and Xi'an. Some routes suit day trips or multi-day journeys. • Southbound to Shenzhen and Hong Kong, with nonstop journeys as fast as 8 hours. 🌐 Platform ✨ Highlights: • Supports registration with foreign passports. No Chinese phone number required. • Accepts international payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, and JCB. • Offers real-time fare search, and instant refunds and changes. 🌍 Trip.com ticketing platform ✨ Highlights: • Supports booking with foreign passports and offers a user-friendly interface for travelers who don’t read Chinese. • Charges a small service fee for a more reliable international card payment experience. • Tickets are issued in sync with the railway system. The e-ticket is linked to the passport, so no paper ticket is required. 💡 Travel tip: Plan your itinerary in advance, especially during Golden Week or Chinese New Year, when train tickets and hotels can sell out quickly. High-speed rail tickets can be purchased via official apps or other platforms, and are released 15 days in advance. Start your trip in Shanghai and enjoy a fast, convenient high-speed rail journey across China!

From November 19, 2026–February 20, 2027, Shanghai Disney Resort launches a limited-time winter celebration for its 10th anniversary, bringing guests a fairy-tale winter feast. A magical parade, snowfall on the streets, and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony will fill the season with warmth and joy. 🎠 Disney magical winter parade Duffy and Friends present their annual Little Airplane Dance, adding a burst of cuteness and energy to winter days. ❄️ Mickey’s magical snowfall Stroll down snow-dusted Mickey Avenue and step into a storybook world filled with winter romance and coziness. 🎄 Mickey’s magical Christmas tree lighting Starting December 1, 2026, enjoy the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, accompanied by a heartwarming family-themed lighting medley to welcome the magic of the season. 🎭 New castle stage show A new castle stage pre-show, Wonderful With You, from the Celebration Crew brings Olaf’s winter warmth. Join Anna to light the Wishing Star and feel the magic and joy of winter. 👑 Surprise appearances by Disney royalty Disney royalty will make surprise appearances to share happy moments with families and create unforgettable memories. 🎵 Christmas swing dance Chip ’n’ Dale join the swing dance lineup for the first time, bringing lively steps and plenty of cheer to chase away the winter chill. 🎆 New Year’s Eve castle projection show On December 31, 2026 and January 1, 2027, the Light Up the New Year castle projection show, set against dazzling fireworks, will ring in the new year with hope and wonder. Come to Shanghai Disney Resort and embark on a magical winter fairytale journey!

As the 9th China International Import Expo approaches, The Bund’s scenic lighting schedule has been adjusted for Nov 4–6, 2026. 🌆 The Bund scenic lighting schedule update On Nov 4, 2026, scenic lighting at The Bund will turn on 30 mins earlier, from 5:30–10:00 PM. On Nov 5–6, 2026, scenic lighting will be extended by 1 hour, from 6:00–11:00 PM. Starting Nov 7, 2026, the schedule will return to normal: 6:00–10:00 PM. 💡 Travel tip: Please plan your itinerary based on the adjusted scenic lighting times. Come to The Bund in Shanghai and enjoy the dazzling night views during the China International Import Expo!

Along the Huangpu River, a "Chinese fan" is slowly unfolding. 📸 one, climb to the top of the "Chinese fan" and step onto the nearly 40m observation deck - The theater sits inside Shanghai Expo Culture Park on the Huangpu River. It was jointly designed by Norway’s Snøhetta and the East China Architectural Design & Research Institute. Site area: 5.3 hectares. Total floor area: 146,000 square meters. - The iconic 409-step white double-helix staircase resembles an open folding fan and a dancer’s twirling skirt. As you climb, it feels like walking across black-and-white piano keys. - On top is a public observation deck nearly 40m high and about 10,000 sq m in area. The meandering shoreline of the Huangpu River, the greenery of Shanghai Expo Culture Park, the Lujiazui Area skyline, and the West Bund waterfront all come into view. 🎭 two, explore three theaters and experience a "theater with a view" - Public lobby: nearly 13,000 sq m. Transparent glass curtain walls bring in natural light, and the space opens out like a fan. - Shen Hall: 1,200-seat horseshoe layout with a pale lavender palette. Equipped with Asia-leading "six-grid" bidirectional stage wagon system, it focuses on world premieres of original local works. - Mirror Hall: a nearly 13m-high panoramic glass curtain wall brings the park’s greenery and daylight inside. Twenty-one seat lifts enable three stage configurations, ideal for immersive theater and small chamber music. - The cafe and cultural-creative shop are open, so you can browse exhibitions, take photos, and relax in one stop. 🎼 three, opening on October 17, an arts feast begins - Built over six years, it officially opens on October 17 with the star-studded opening concert "Shanghai Grand Opera House and Her Friends." - The 25th China Shanghai International Arts Festival also opens here the same day and runs through Nov 15, partnering with the Festival d’Avignon for the first time. - After opening, the theater will be regularly open to visitors. Daytime access will combine indoor and outdoor areas, with exhibitions, small performances, and open rehearsals added in phases—truly becoming a cultural and arts living room for residents and visitors. - Before opening, 10 stress tests were completed. Eight troupes performed in rotation, welcoming over 10,200 audience members while continually refining service details. 🎫 four, practical visitor information - Address: No. 1 Yongzhan Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai - Transportation: Subway Line 7, Houtan Station Exit 4, about 860m on foot; or Line 13, Expo Avenue Station Exit 4, about 1,600m on foot. For self-drive, enter the underground parking lot via the Yongzhan Road/Expo Avenue entrance. - Entry: With your reservation details and your original ID, line up at Gate 6 for security screening and entry. With the official opening on October 17 and the arts festival launching in tandem, Shanghai’s cultural calendar will be in full swing for the next month. After the holiday, crowds ease and the crisp fall weather makes it a perfect time to avoid the rush. If you want to be among the first to reach the top of the "Chinese fan" and catch the opening productions, make your reservation now and share with friends you want to go with—don’t wait until slots are snapped up again.

Effective October 10, 2026, the fuel surcharge for domestic passenger flights will increase. ✈️ Domestic flight fuel surcharge update ⏰ Effective date: October 10, 2026 ✨ Highlights: • For segments 800 km and under, the per-passenger fuel surcharge will be updated to the new standard. • For segments over 800 km, the per-passenger fuel surcharge will be updated to the new standard. • Children and eligible passenger groups receive a 50% discount on the fuel surcharge. • The fuel surcharge is determined by the original ticketing date. Changes will not trigger refunds or additional collection. 💡 Travel tip: Infants are exempt from the fuel surcharge. Children and eligible passenger groups receive a 50% discount. Follow flight status and plan your trip!

What does fall smell like? You’ll find the answer in the air at Gucun Park. It’s peak osmanthus season now, and the sweet aromas of golden, silver, orange, and four-season osmanthus fill the park as if everything were wrapped in invisible honey. 🌸 Golden osmanthus and silver osmanthus Golden osmanthus is the bold, intensely fragrant variety—sweet but never cloying. Silver osmanthus is light and refreshing, like a cool fall morning breeze. 🍂 Orange osmanthus and four-season osmanthus Orange osmanthus stands out with tiny orange-red blossoms and looks great in photos—every snap is wallpaper-worthy. Four-season osmanthus offers a long, lingering fragrance that keeps you company all fall. 🍯 Air like honey water The osmanthus scent is so rich it’s almost intoxicating. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and it feels like even the air has been steeped in honey—sweet and gentle. ⏳ Recommended time to visit: October–November is the best time to enjoy osmanthus. 📍 Location: Shanghai Gucun Park ⏰ Business hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (ticket sales stop after 4:30 PM) 🚇 Transportation: Gate 2 of Gucun Park is right next to Gucun Park Station on Metro Lines 7 and 15. 🚗 Parking: A total of 6,000 parking spaces in and around the park. Electronic payment accepted. 💡 Travel tip: Go early and on clear days; the fragrance is stronger in sunny weather. Come to Gucun Park and savor the sweetest taste of fall!

Nov 4, 2026–Jan 15, 2027, Disney Cruise Line’s first consumer pop-up experience in mainland China is now open at Disney Town in Shanghai Disney Resort. 🛳 Disney Adventure pop-up experience 🎫 Admission: free ⏰ Hours: open daily 11:00 AM–6:30 PM (last entry 6:00 PM) 📸 Pop-up highlights • Receive a Disney-themed booklet and stickers upon entry (limited supply, first come, first served). • Magical Disney-themed scenes are set, with familiar Disney friends making surprise appearances. • Explore the seven themed areas of Disney Adventure to preview your voyage to Singapore. • Step into the simulated bridge for an immersive helm experience, and snap photos at themed spaces inspired by Disney fairy tales, Marvel, and other fan-favorite franchises. 💡 Travel tip: Disney Town is free to enter. Visit during off-peak times to avoid the crowds. Head to Disney Town in Shanghai Disney Resort and experience the magic of Disney Adventure!

On October 27, 2026, a 4m-tall giant rubber duck art installation debuted on an open space beside the former rowing club on South Suzhou Road at The Bund in Shanghai, adding a playful and romantic vibe to the 2026 Street Life Festival. 🦆 4m-tall rubber duck Wrapped in cozy coral-fleece yarn, the chubby duck looks extra cute under the shade of plane trees, drawing countless people to stop for photos. As the festival’s mascot duck, it has become a brand-new street landmark on The Bund. 🎨 Street art and creative posters A long themed mural at the intersection of Sichuan Middle Road and Dianchi Road, paired with warm, uplifting slogans, makes a perfect backdrop for photos. The creative poster on the exterior wall of China Construction Bank on Dianchi Road grabs attention with playful contrast, bringing a lived-in street vibe. In addition, shop windows at the intersection of Huqiu Road and South Suzhou Road, and around The Peninsula Shanghai on Yuanmingyuan Road, feature feel-good themed posters and event window decals. Historic buildings and fall tree shadows set a rich, atmospheric scene. ☕ Creative goods and lane explorations This event partners with distinctive cafes, eateries, and cultural-creative shops along The Bund to offer a rich street experience. Visitors can follow the city walk inspiration map to discover charming corners in The Bund’s lanes, collect Shanghai-exclusive translucent city cards, and craft their own inspiration journals. When you need a break, pop into a small shop for a coffee, pick up handmade pieces, and soak up the relaxed street vibe. ⏰ Time: October 27, 2026–mid-November 💡 Travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes for strolling. Fall weather is great for outdoor activities, and it can get chilly, so keep warm. Come to The Bund in Shanghai and experience the romance and surprises of the Street Life Festival with the 4m rubber duck!

On October 22, 2026, the Shanghai Toy Museum officially opened at the Oriental Pearl Tower. As the flagship finale in the China Toy Association’s 40th anniversary series, it blends a professional industry expo with a landmark cultural and tourism space, setting a new benchmark for integrating culture, commerce, travel, sports, and exhibitions. 🧸 Shanghai Toy Museum opening The opening ceremony drew representatives from 17 international delegations, industry organizations, and professional media from around the world, including presidents of toy associations from the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Argentina, the Netherlands, South Korea, Thailand, Ukraine, India, and Mexico, as well as industry representatives from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. After the ribbon-cutting, guests toured the venue with the organizers and got a first look at the museum’s unique appeal. ⏰ Time: from October 22, 2026 Come to the Shanghai Toy Museum and discover the endless wonders of the world of toys!