Major commercial districts across Shanghai have rolled out a wave of trendsetting consumer experiences, including themed exhibitions, first-store openings and made-to-order retail scenarios, injecting fresh momentum into the seven-day National Day holiday consumer market.
At the Huaihai Road business district, an interactive water-sports-themed zone has been set up in the outdoor plaza, where a mini motorboat racing track lets visitors control model speedboats via remote control, navigating the course at full throttle.
Nearby, a bead-art workshop invites visitors to create their own designs, with finished pieces available to take home free of charge.
"I built a model of the Wusongkou Lighthouse. It took me about an hour and a half. The process was really immersive and I found it quite relaxing and therapeutic," said a tourist.
A limited-time color-space themed art exhibition has also opened to the public, alongside the debut of several Shanghai first stores from independent designer labels and new flagship outlets, delivering diverse and novel holiday experiences for consumers.
"It's very vibrant. A lot of people, a lot of actions happening. We've just actually started with this one, we are still going through the shopping mall," said a foreign tourist.
"During the holiday, foot traffic at our mall is up about 20 percent year on year, with sales revenue increasing 20 to 30 percent. Foreign visitors account for roughly 50 percent of the total, mainly from Europe and Southeast Asia," said Ren Zhi, general manager of Shanghai Bailian Yiteng Commercial Management, which operates TX Huaihai, a commercial complex in the district.
During the holiday, Shanghai launched a new global customization retail space, featuring bespoke Qipao, tailored suits, fine jewelry, beauty and wellness services, and intangible cultural heritage displays.
The venue also features popular, customized exhibits from previous China International Import Expo (CIIE) sessions, an iconic national-class event held annually in the city, bringing smash-hit products from the exhibition floor to mass consumers at more accessible prices.
"During the National Day holiday, we held a store-wide promotion offering discounts starting at 50 percent off, covering items ranging from Jingdezhen porcelain to custom-tailored suits from Shanghai, allowing visitors from around the world to experience the allure of Shanghai’s bespoke craftsmanship," said Zhang Zhenqiang, head of Greenland Bund Global Customization Center.
A shopping mall in Shanghai's Changning District coordinated with over 20 tenants, including restaurants and cinemas, to extend business hours and offered discounts and free parking at night.
"I went for a late-night hot pot meal at 23:30, and the restaurant offered a 42 percent discount," said a consumer.
"During the National Day holiday, we project a year-on-year increase of over 16 percent in total visitor traffic, with night market footfall rising by more than 40 percent and dining revenue growing by 30 percent compared to the same period last year," said Ding Zhongyun, commercial president of Shanghai Longemont Shopping Mall.
In addition, immersive light-and-shadow activities linked with adjacent shopping areas were also staged at the city's Jing'an Park, where visitors can get coupons and experience creative light-and-shadow installations.
Shanghai energizes National Day holiday economy with diverse consumption options
