Shanghai gets set for tourism festival's grand parade

The grand parade for the 36th Shanghai Tourism Festival 2025 will leave from East Zhongshan No 1 Road in Huangpu district on the evening of Sept 13, Zhong Xiaomin, director of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, announced at a municipal government news conference on Friday.

This year's parade will feature 25 floats from home and abroad, alongside 24 performance troupes from 15 countries and regions. These groups will showcase cultural exchange and integration through music, dance and other art forms.

The floats will tour 10 districts, including Jing'an and Songjiang, between Sept 14 to 28. Some international troupes will also stage public performances at venues such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Life Hub Daning.

On Oct 6, the festival's closing night, an immersive traditional Chinese-style night tour will be held at Shanghai Expo Culture Park. Parade floats will be displayed around the lake, creating a festive atmosphere that blends ancient and modern elements for both domestic and international tourists.

Beginning on July 5, the 36th Shanghai Tourism Festival has seen an increase in spending. Preliminary data indicates that Shanghai's total tourism transaction volume reached 152.4 billion yuan ($21.36 billion) from July to August, marking a 27 percent increase compared to last year.