According to statistics from the Consumer Market Big Data Laboratory, during this year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday period (October 1 to October 8), Shanghai’s online and offline consumption payment amount reached 79.6 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 3.0%.
Statistical data shows that during the holiday period, sales in Shanghai’s key commercial districts increased by 10.2% year-on-year. Among them, sales in Nanjing East Road, Nanjing West Road, and Zhongshan Park commercial districts increased by 23.2%, 22.7%, and 29.4% respectively. During the same period, nighttime consumption at Shanghai’s five popular nighttime economy landmarks increased by 15.3% year-on-year and 31.8% compared to the week before the holiday. Among these, West Bund Dream Center and Wujiang Road-Fengsheng Lane saw increases of 111.9% and 28.0% respectively.
During the holiday period, foreign visitors to Shanghai were active in consumption, with the number of departure tax refund applications increasing sixfold year-on-year, and sales amount increasing by 7.2% year-on-year. The main categories of tax-refund goods purchased by inbound travelers were sportswear, electronic products, and international brands.
During this year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday period, Shanghai adhered to the dual-drive approach of “policy + activities,” organizing and hosting the 2025 “Love Shopping Shanghai, Enjoy the Double Festival” series of events. The initiative featured three major themes: “Three Flavors of Cuisine,” “Three Categories of Discount Shopping,” and “Three Night Shows,” deeply integrated with the Shanghai Tourism Festival and Shanghai International Light Festival. These activities emphasized the integrated experience of commercial districts, cultural tourism, and light art, creating a multi-dimensional holiday feast for domestic and international tourists.
Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street
Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street is a historic commercial thoroughfare in Shanghai, originally established in the 1850s during the British concession era. Today, it is a bustling pedestrian-only shopping street stretching over a kilometer, renowned for its vibrant mix of international brands, traditional Chinese shops, and neon-lit entertainment. It stands as one of China’s premier retail destinations, blending its colonial heritage with modern consumer culture.
Nanjing East Road
Nanjing East Road is one of Shanghai’s oldest and most famous commercial streets, with its history dating back to the 1845 Shanghai International Settlement. Originally a major retail hub during the colonial era, it has evolved into a vibrant pedestrianized shopping district featuring a mix of historic department stores, modern malls, and international brands. Today, it remains a premier destination for both tourists and locals seeking shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Nanjing West Road
Nanjing West Road is one of Shanghai’s oldest and most famous commercial streets, originally developed in the 1860s as a key thoroughfare in the British Settlement. It became a bustling retail hub in the early 20th century, known for its department stores and luxury shops. Today, it remains a major shopping destination blending historic architecture with modern commerce.
Zhongshan Park
Zhongshan Park is a common name for public parks in many Chinese cities, with the most famous one located in Beijing. It was originally an imperial ancestral temple from the Ming and Qing dynasties before being renamed in 1928 to honor Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhongshan), the founding father of modern China. Today, these parks serve as popular urban green spaces that blend historical architecture with recreational areas.
West Bund Dream Center
The West Bund Dream Center is a prominent cultural and performing arts venue located in Shanghai, China. It was originally constructed for television production but has been revitalized as a hub for international art exhibitions, theater, and music events. The center symbolizes the transformation of Shanghai’s West Bund area into a major arts district.
Wujiang Road-Fengsheng Lane
Wujiang Road-Fengsheng Lane is a historic food street in Shanghai, originally developed in the 1920s-1930s as part of the former French Concession. It preserves traditional Shikumen (stone-gate) architecture while housing modern cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Today it represents a blend of Shanghai’s historical charm and contemporary lifestyle, attracting both tourists and locals.
Shanghai Tourism Festival
The Shanghai Tourism Festival is an annual month-long celebration launched in 1990 to promote the city’s cultural and economic vitality. It features vibrant parades, cultural performances, and culinary events, transforming the city into a dynamic showcase of both traditional and modern Chinese culture.
Shanghai International Light Festival
The Shanghai International Light Festival is an annual event launched in 2010 that transforms the city’s historic Bund waterfront into a large-scale open-air art gallery. It features spectacular light and multimedia installations from artists around the world, projected onto the colonial-era buildings. The festival merges Shanghai’s architectural history with cutting-edge digital art, celebrating the city’s position as a modern, global metropolis.
