Summer season set to really heat up

Shanghai, China's vibrant metropolis and an international gateway, is set to captivate global visitors with its Shanghai Summer season.

The event, running from July 6 to mid-October, promises to offer a blend of rich cultural experiences and convenient services while seeking to appeal to a wide spectrum of tourists, from history enthusiasts and art lovers to business travelers and leisure seekers.

Shanghai is dedicated to boosting the commercial environment and upgrading its commercial facilities, focusing on advancing the digitalization of commerce, said Gong Zheng, mayor of Shanghai, during the launch ceremony on Saturday.

Gong invites "global travelers to experience Shanghai's immense charm through gourmet feasts, cultural trips and fashion journeys".

Zhu Min, director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, highlights the city's appeal. "Shanghai's distinctive urban and cultural atmosphere has always attracted domestic and international visitors alike," Zhu notes.

With international flights gradually recovering and visa-free policies expanding, Zhu sees this event as an ideal opportunity to spotlight Shanghai during the peak tourism season.

The launch of Shanghai Summer coincides with China's 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, which allows citizens from 54 countries and regions to enjoy up to six days in Shanghai and other designated cities without obtaining a visa, facilitating both short-term business visits and spontaneous tourism.

Shanghai's growing international appeal is echoed by official data. The city's airports had facilitated inspections and immigration clearance for over 3 million international travelers this year as of June — a 240 percent increase from the previous year.

Following recent adjustments to China's visa policies, visa-exempt foreign entries have surged tenfold to 446,000 compared to the same period last year.

At the heart of Shanghai Summer are seven benchmark activities, complemented by a lineup of 58 diverse events, including 18 exhibitions, 15 commercial activities, 12 sports competitions, nine cultural performances and four tourism events, according to Zhu.

Among the highlights is the On the Top of Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt exhibition at Shanghai Museum, which invites visitors to explore the mysteries and marvels of ancient Egypt, and the inaugural Shanghai International Cruise Festival, which celebrates the city's status as a major port, tapping into the burgeoning global cruise tourism market.

For those eager to delve into Shanghai's urban fabric, the City Walk Pro, Experience Shanghai Now event provides curated walking tours, showcasing the city's architectural wonders, vibrant local lifestyle and more.

The Shanghai International Light Festival in 2024 will showcase the city's nighttime charm. Music enthusiasts will be thrilled by the STORM Electronic Music Festival, which embraces a science-fictional theme this year to create an immersive experience.

To enhance tourism, Shanghai has implemented comprehensive measures addressing various aspects of travel, from communication and convenience to payment and transportation, according to Liu Min, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.

China Mobile and China Telecom are setting up dedicated service stations at Pudong and Hongqiao airports offering data packages and SIM card services. A 24/7 English-language taxi booking hotline has been set up to ease transportation concerns.

The city is also expanding its network of luggage storage facilities, aiming for 500 locations in key commercial areas by the end of July with bilingual guides. To simplify financial transactions, Shanghai is increasing the acceptance of foreign bank cards, targeting 70,000 supporting terminals by the end of September.

Online travel platforms and airlines are joining forces to offer tailored travel and accommodation packages, including attractive discounts on select hotels and airfares for visitors to the city.

An online event schedule is accessible through the "I GO Shanghai" WeChat mini-program, offering intelligent itinerary planning and bilingual voice consultation services.

Shanghai's commitment to inclusivity extends beyond short-term visitors to encompass the needs of expatriates living in or frequently visiting the city, says Jing Ying, an official from the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

The city has launched the multilingual international service portal International Services Shanghai with three dedicated social media accounts. These platforms serve as comprehensive information hubs, offering insights on business opportunities, tourism highlights, work and study prospects and consumer information, Jing explains.

A multilingual Guide to Shanghai for Expats has been published, providing essential information on various aspects of city life. Additionally, a one-stop comprehensive service center at Pudong International Airport Terminal 2 offers services related to payments, culture, tourism, communication and transportation, ensuring that visitors' needs are met from the moment they arrive.

Merridy Smits, who arrived at the Pudong airport on June 29 with her daughter, praised the services as "excellent".

"It's a great service to have when you arrive, especially when you have never been here," says the Australian.

Arturo Achard from Mexico also made his first trip to Shanghai on the same day and exchanged money at the service center. "I like it that the city have different services in the same center."

Jing adds: "We've developed practical solutions to address the most common challenges foreigners might face in Shanghai."

From streamlining payment processes and simplifying bank account opening procedures to enhancing transportation services and easing Customs declaration, Shanghai is committed to making every aspect of life in the city more accessible to international travelers.

Xia Miao and Li Junfeng contributed to this story.