The upcoming 2025 Nanxiang Guochao Convention — a sprawling cultural and tourism festival — is projected to bring Shanghai's Jiading district to life, centering on its two main venues of the Nanxiang Twin Towers and Guyi Garden.
Guochao is a cultural and commercial style in China that mixes traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern design, fashion and technology.
The festival coincides with the Shanghai Tourism Festival, the Shanghai International Light Festival, National Day and the Mid-Autumn celebrations — running from Sept 30 to Oct 8.
The event will feature four experiences — fascinating night tours, traditional food markets, AI and digital culture activities and live performances.
Visitors can enjoy daytime and evening events, combining watching with hands-on participation along curated routes through the ancient town.
Evenings will feature the Lanterns of Light on Nanxiang Old Street and a light show at Guyi Garden, where technology brings historic brick carvings to life.
The fun begins during a Mid-Autumn intangible cultural heritage fish-shaped lantern parade. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]
A much-anticipated Mid-Autumn intangible cultural heritage fish-shaped lantern parade will showcase giant lantern fish drifting through the water.
AI and anime activities will offer cosplay, collectibles and interactive games, engaging younger visitors with traditional culture.
A Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) street performance takes place at Guyi Garden, recreating the bustling life of old Nanxiang. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]
The ancient town's Guochao cultural performance blends traditional Chinese opera with contemporary trends. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]
Visitors can help make Nanxiang xiaolongbao, or steamed stuffed buns, attend intangible cultural heritage workshops, stroll through historic streets, explore gardens and temples, try on traditional hanfu apparel, and do some embroidery.
They can also interact with intelligent robots and enjoy water performances, live shows and photography exhibitions blending tradition with modern Guochao culture.