Popular autumn festival underway
The annual Minhang Tourism Festival kicked off on September 16, with six main events and 33 activities for the residents.
The district festival is part of the 29th annual Shanghai Tourism Festival, which runs through September 21. This year’s themes include China-EU Tourism Year and China-Canada Year of Tourism.
Minhang activities are centered around culture, shopping, tourist attractions and leisure activities in the district.
For fun on the cheap, major tourist attractions are offering half-price discounts on tickets, and shopping districts like the
Hongqiao business hub and Qibao Town are holding big sales with special deals.
The festival also includes charity events and activities for sport lovers. East China Normal University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have jointly organized a one-day tour for campus freshmen to familiarize themselves with the district.
The district is also promoting its international outlook at the festival. Shanghai Sky Mall is holding activities with Spanish themes, introducing food, culture and entertainment from Spain. VivoCity is featuring all things Thai, with displays about Thai music and culture. Officials from Thailand are on hand to share secret recipes and cook food for customers on site.
Huacao Town is holding its second International Family Day, inviting all families to take part in games and sports together. It was a popular event last year.
Some 14 towns and communities in the district, including Xinzhuang Industrial Park, are participating in the festival.
Wujing Town will hold the 2018 IKMC International Children’s Modeling Competition in line with the town’s industrial upgrading from manufacturing to fashion. Hongqiao Town, home to many shopping malls, is hosting special shopping activities.
Among the 75 citywide attractions that are offering half-price discounts during the Shanghai Tourism Festival are the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall and Shanghai Tower.
Shanghai Disney Resort will offer discounted tickets after 3pm between September 15 and October 6, subject to availability.
Nearly 40 groups of performers and 25 floats from home and abroad participated in the opening parade for the Shanghai Tourism Festival. They included floats from Minhang and from the EU and Quebec of Canada.
The parade is always popular. The public is invited to vote for favorite floats and performers through websites and apps.