Tourexpi
2025 'Shanghai Summer' Launches with Smart City Integration and Multicultural Appeal
Between
January and June 2025, Shanghai welcomed 4.25 million inbound visitors—a 38.5%
increase year-on-year. Tax-refunded sales by departing travelers rose by 85%.
To maintain this momentum, the launch ceremony was held on July 4 at the West
Bund Grand Theater, where ten flagship activities, nearly 300 key and
customised events, 14 themed offerings, and two new services were unveiled.
To
support the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, China Eastern Airlines is
offering one million discounted tickets and 100,000 complimentary half-day
tours. Navigation tools include the multilingual "HiChina" app by
Umetrip and an English version of Amap. Dianping has introduced a multilingual
"must-eat" list, while Marriott International is featuring special
summer offers across its 19 Shanghai hotels.
China
UnionPay has introduced "Shanghai Summer" themed cards to simplify
payments across the city. Visa has launched dedicated "Visa
Payment-Friendly Demonstration Zones" to encourage cashless transactions.
Additional support includes an upgraded Shanghai Pass from SPD Bank and Jiushi
Group, as well as two specialized services: tax refund support in 14 languages
and the "Easy Go" platform via Alipay International.
More
than 300 customized events will bring Shanghai to life, including riverside
walks, pop culture festivals, and art showcases. Noteworthy events include the
POP MART "POP SUMMER" experience, the Van Cleef & Arpels
"Poetry of Time" exhibition, the LI-NING Streetball League, the
Yuyuan "Fantasy Summer Night," the MAP "Shanghai Star"
cruise, and the "Wind & Waves" performance series at West Bund
Grand Theater.
Ten
flagship activities will feature international sports, cultural, and lifestyle
experiences. Highlights include the Rolex Shanghai Masters (ATP1000) on
September 29, the FISE World Series • Shanghai in October, and the Shanghai
Tourism Festival Vacation Summer running from July 5 to August 31. Cultural
programming features the Shanghai MISA Music Festival, the Shanghai
International Light Festival, the Shanghai Summer International Anime Month,
and the SS2026 Shanghai Fashion Week, expected to draw over 80,000 industry
professionals and guests worldwide.
"Shanghai
Summer" is reinforcing the city’s identity as a dynamic international hub
for culture, lifestyle, and sports—while boosting inbound tourism and
consumption.
Image Credit: © Shanghai Design Week (SHDW)
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