This summer, Shanghai is transforming into a living laboratory for urban innovation, blending commerce, culture, and cutting-edge technology to create an unparalleled global consumer experience. The newly launched Shanghai Summer 2025 campaign is not just another seasonal shopping event—it’s a bold reimagining of how cities can engage international visitors through immersive, boundary-pushing initiatives.
A Surge in Global Spending
Shanghai’s appeal as a global consumption hub is undeniable. During last year’s campaign, foreign card spending skyrocketed by 68.2%, with iconic commercial districts like Huaihai Road and Lujiazui-Zhangyang Road seeing overseas transactions more than double. The city’s offline consumption hit RMB 815.9 billion, fueled by an 8.2% year-on-year increase, while dining alone surged by 26.9%. These numbers underscore Shanghai’s growing reputation as a must-visit destination for international travelers.
The “240-Hour Products” Experience
At the heart of this year’s campaign is the groundbreaking “240-Hour Products” initiative, designed to give overseas visitors a seamless introduction to the city. Partnering with China Eastern Airlines, the program offers direct discounts on group flights across 30 international routes, while digital tools like the English-language Air Travel Assistant and AutoNavi Map simplify navigation.
Payment barriers are also being dismantled. China UnionPay enables foreign card acceptance at 65,000 merchants, while Visa collaborates on “Payment-Friendly Zones” to streamline QR code payments and tax refunds. A special Shanghai Summer-themed card adds another layer of convenience, ensuring visitors can shop, dine, and explore with ease.
Seamless Travel and Culinary Adventures
The “Shanghai Pass” one-day ticket unlocks the city’s transport network, covering metro rides, ferries, and sightseeing tunnels. Travel platform Trip.com has rolled out a dedicated “Discover Shanghai” page, featuring free city tours and curated itineraries. Meanwhile, the culinary scene is more accessible than ever, with multilingual menus and themed dining campaigns from Marriott and Jin Jiang available in Chinese, English, and Korean.
Culture Takes Center Stage
This year’s campaign elevates Shanghai’s cultural offerings through collaborations with global lifestyle giants. Shanghai Disney Resort, the LEGO China-hosted “World Play Festival,” and POP MART’s “Summer Trend Play” will bring immersive activations to the city’s streets, blending food, music, and creativity into a multi-sensory celebration.
A Digital Gateway to Shanghai
The newly launched multilingual website features an AI-powered travel assistant and a virtual avatar, “Shanghai Xiaoxia,” to help visitors plan their journeys interactively. Global influencers will amplify the campaign across Instagram, Xiaohongshu, and TikTok, showcasing Shanghai’s vibrant energy to audiences worldwide.
From July to October, Shanghai invites the world to experience a meticulously crafted urban adventure—one that redefines what a summer in the city can be. Whether it’s shopping, dining, or cultural exploration, Shanghai Summer 2025 promises to be a landmark event in global urban consumption.
