Discover Qixi Festival 2026 on August 19: the Chinese Valentine's Day with ancient myths, weaving games, and modern romance. Learn key phrases, love codes, and cultural shifts in China.
七夕 falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar mouth on the Chinese calendar, which is August 19th this year. It's an increasingly popular traditionalChinesefestival among the young generation in China.
Today I would like to share some interesting facts about 七夕 Festival so you can have a better understanding about this traditional festival!
七夕 = Chinese Valentine' Day?七夕 was derived from the worship of the natural astrological star signs. Chinese ancestors worship the stars of Altair and Vega, which are distributed on the 2 sides of the Milky Way. According to Chinese ancestors' observations, the constellation of Altair is like a cow ploughing farmland, and the constellation of Vega symbolizes a weaving girl.From ancient time and as years passed, Chinese mythology changed this "weaving girl" into a goddess who loves weaving clouds, and is also a protector of women, children and couples. People call this goddess "七姐 (Qījiě)" - the Seventh Elder Sister. People celebrate her birthday which is the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. That's the origin of 七夕.The derivation of the story hasn't finished. Gradually, people further developed a love story based on the star sign and 七姐's mythology - 牛郎 (Niúláng: cow herder) and 织女 (Zhīnǚ: weaver goddess). The earliest-known reference to this famous love story dates back to over 2,600 years ago. Check out the story: 👇
(Resource from CCTV）How Did the Ancient Chinese Celebrate 七夕？In ancient time, on the night of 七夕, unmarried girls would pray to Vega for having clever hands, and a good sense for weaving, thus to gain a happy marriage.To celebrate this festival, ancient Chinese women invented some weaving related games:投针验巧 tóuzhēn yànqiǎoFor this game they would put some water in a vessel and leave it in the open air until it is covered by a film of dust. Then, cast a needle or thin straw on it to see the pattern of the shadow at the bottom, so as to test their dexterity.穿针乞巧 chuānzhēn qǐqiǎoThis is a game testing the girls' speed of threading a needle under the moon. The girl who can thread a needle with 7 or 9 holes the quickest wins the game.The Modern Celebration of 七夕Inspired by the story of "牛郎&织女", 七夕 has evolved into a romantic festival in modern times. What's more, due to the ancient love stories, it has become a Valentine's Day with unique Chinese cultural characteristics standing out among many other Valentine's Days. 七夕 has also been gradually boosting the prosperity of the economy. Buying gifts for the partners has now become a must-do for Chinese people on every 七夕.七夕 has become an important advertising campaign in Chinese marketIn recent years, especially under economic downturns, discussions around romance and love in China have become more pragmatic and even tinged with humor or satire. Instead of idealizing pure "romance," people increasingly acknowledge the pressures of reality — financial stability, work stress, and everyday responsibilities. Festivals like Qixi, once centered on poetic love stories, are now also occasions for witty commentary that blends tradition with realism. This shift reflects how younger generations reinterpret romance — not rejecting it outright, but balancing it with the practicalities of modern life, often through playful irony.My Qixi mood be like: - Others: "Senpai, please go out with me!"Me: "Mr. Money, please go out with me!"- Others: "Leave work early and go on a date."Me: "Leave work early, eat a good meal, and hit the bed."(From the co-branded campaign of milk tea brand 沪上阿姨 (Hushang Ayi) and Zanmang Loopy)Romantic Phrases You Must Know for 七夕 Today, let's also take advantage of 七夕 to learn some romantic phrases in Chinese, just in case you need themI like you.我喜欢你。Wǒ xǐhuan nǐ.I love you.我爱你。Wǒ ài nǐ. Let's get together.我们在一起吧。Wǒmen zài yìqǐ ba.I grasped your hand. Together with you I will grow old.执子之手，与子偕老。Zhí zǐ zhī shǒu, yǔ zǐ xié lǎo.👆A household verse from an ancient poem. Chinese people always quote this verse to express their appreciation and commitment towards eternal love.Some special number code for love:520 - wǒ ài nǐ - 我爱你 I love you1314 - yì shēng yí shì - 一生一世whole lifetime5201314 - 我爱你一生一世I love you forever775 - qīn qīn wǒ - 亲亲我kiss me885 - bào bào wǒ - 抱抱我hug meSilk Mandarin 祝你和你的爱人七夕节快乐！Silk Mandarin wishes you and your loved one a sweet Qixi Festival!(All the pics are from the Internet)Email| [email protected]Website | www.silkmandarin.cnShanghaiSOHO Donghai Plaza, 299 Tongren Road, Room 1604-1605SuzhouRoom 201, Building 3, DoBe · Yulangqiao Bang, Gusu District, Suzhou
Starbucks China faces supply chain rumors, employee benefit concerns, and growing tension over its 'third space' policy. Learn about the impact of Boyu Capital's buyout, pricing pressure from rivals, and the changing in-store experience.
Since its ownership structure changed, Starbucks China has faced a wave of online speculation, with rumors ranging from the cancellation of its “14th-month pay” to outsourcing cups and straws to Mixue and changing coffee bean suppliers.
At the same time, another debate is putting pressure on a long-standing part of the Starbucks experience: its stores as a “third space” where customers can sit, work, meet and relax.
Together, the controversies highlight a broader challenge for Starbucks China under Boyu Capital: how to cut costs and improve efficiency without undermining employee benefits, product quality or the store experience that supports its premium positioning.
Supply Chain Localization Under Scrutiny
On Aug. 11, reports claimed that Zhang Qing, formerly Sam’s Club China’s chief procurement officer, had recently joined Boyu Capital and was involved in planning changes to Starbucks China’s supply chain.
The reports suggested that Starbucks would accelerate localization by bringing in more domestic suppliers, with cups, straws and matcha powder allegedly to be manufactured by Mixue, while some dairy suppliers would also be replaced to reduce costs.
Starbucks China rejected the claims the following day, saying reports that its cups and straws might be manufactured by Mixue or that it was changing coffee bean suppliers were “seriously inaccurate.”
The company said it remains committed to high-quality products and to working with supply-chain partners in an open and mutually beneficial way.
The rumors, however, reflect strong market interest in how Starbucks China’s supply chain may change following the ownership transition.
Starbucks has spent years building a substantial supply-chain network in China, including coffee roasting, warehousing and logistics facilities in Jiangsu, as well as investments in Yunnan’s coffee-growing regions. Its model combines global sourcing with local production.
But competition from domestic chains such as Luckin Coffee has changed the economics of the market. Lower-priced brands benefit from mature domestic supply networks and large-scale procurement of ingredients and packaging, helping them keep prices down.
Industry observers say greater localization does not necessarily mean outsourcing to a direct competitor. More likely, Starbucks could expand its pool of domestic suppliers, optimize its supplier network and invite more Chinese manufacturers to compete for contracts.
The Mixue rumor may have spread so quickly because it tapped into a deeper consumer concern: whether greater localization and cost-cutting could eventually affect Starbucks’ product quality.
“14th-Month Pay” Has Not Been Cancelled
Similar speculation has surrounded Starbucks employees.
Online claims suggested that Starbucks China had begun cutting labor costs by cancelling its “14th-month pay,” changing employment contracts, shifting most employees other than store managers to part-time contracts and removing some paid leave.
Multiple sources familiar with the situation said Starbucks China had not taken such measures.
Starbucks introduced the 14th-month pay in 2021 for nearly 40,000 full-time store employees, from baristas to district managers. The additional month’s salary became a relatively competitive benefit in China’s restaurant and retail sectors.
There has nevertheless been a genuine change to employee incentives.
In November 2025, Starbucks announced a strategic partnership with Boyu Capital under which Boyu would acquire up to 60% of the Chinese joint venture, while Starbucks would retain 40%.
Following the ownership transition, the existing “Bean Stock” equity incentive program was adjusted. Starbucks China has also said that a new long-term incentive plan, including measures related to Bean Stock, would be introduced in the fourth quarter.
Starbucks China CEO Liu Wenjuan said in April that the joint venture would fully inherit existing employees’ labor contracts, with seniority continuing to be recognized, and that existing benefits would remain in place.
The adjustment to equity incentives, combined with the restaurant industry’s growing use of part-time workers, appears to have contributed to fears that broader benefits could be reduced.
Industry insiders point out that a mix of full-time and part-time workers is already standard in the restaurant sector. Part-time staffing can help stores cope with fluctuations in demand, but does not necessarily mean that full-time positions are being eliminated.
For Starbucks, however, any changes to employee incentives are particularly sensitive after years of using benefits to build its reputation as an employer.
A New Test for the Joint Venture Era
The repeated rumors and denials reflect a broader challenge as Starbucks China enters a new phase.
Following the roughly $4 billion transaction, market expectations have shifted from the slower growth traditionally associated with an international premium brand toward greater efficiency and stronger financial returns.
China’s coffee market has also become significantly more competitive. Low-priced coffee chains are expanding rapidly, while tea brands are moving into coffee. Starbucks remains an important player in the mid- to high-end segment, but store expansion, same-store growth and cost pressures have become increasingly difficult.
Labor and supply chains are therefore likely to remain key areas of reform.
The challenge is to balance the interests of investors seeking better returns, employees seeking stable benefits and consumers expecting consistent quality.
Industry observers say information management may be just as important as the reforms themselves. Measures still under discussion or in transition can be reshaped as they circulate online, turning routine adjustments into alarming claims and forcing the company into repeated public clarifications.
But Starbucks China is facing another issue that goes directly to its brand value: how its stores are managed.
“Can Starbucks Do Something About This?”
A growing number of consumers are asking on Chinese social media: “Can Starbucks do something about this?”
Their complaints are not about coffee, but about the “third space” Starbucks has long promoted.
Some customers have complained about people taking off their shoes and putting their feet on chairs, bringing outside drinks or free water into stores, eating strongly scented food, playing music loudly or occupying entire tables for hours without ordering anything.
The result is that customers who have actually purchased coffee sometimes cannot find a seat.
This is not the first time Starbucks China has faced the question of who should be allowed to use its stores.
In May 2024, a debate over “consumption before seating” attracted widespread attention after some customers said they had been reminded to order or politely asked to leave when sitting without making a purchase.
At the time, many people questioned whether Starbucks was putting a price on its supposedly open and welcoming “third space.” Starbucks responded that everyone was welcome.
Two years later, the public mood appears to have shifted.
More consumers are now complaining that Starbucks is not managing its stores firmly enough. For customers who have already bought a drink but cannot find a seat, requiring consumption before seating is increasingly viewed as a way to maintain order.
Starbucks China said it has never imposed a mandatory consumption requirement for seating. Customers encountering problems can notify employees, who can communicate with people who have not made purchases. The company said it continues to welcome everyone and wants to provide a comfortable environment.
Several employees said there is no strict internal rule requiring customers to make a purchase before taking a seat. Stores generally try to guide customers toward purchasing and handle disruptive behavior through polite intervention.
The “Third Space” Is Part of Starbucks’ Value Proposition
The shift in consumer sentiment reflects a deeper business challenge.
As coffee prices continue to fall and brands such as Luckin compete aggressively on price, Starbucks’ ability to maintain a higher average ticket depends on more than the drink itself.
For many customers, part of what they are paying for is the physical environment — a relatively comfortable place to work, meet or relax.
But when people occupy seats for long periods without purchasing anything while paying customers cannot find a place to sit, that experience comes under pressure.
Starbucks therefore faces a difficult choice.
Strictly enforcing a purchase-before-seating policy could conflict with its welcoming and inclusive “third space” image and potentially trigger another backlash. Maintaining a relaxed approach, however, could further weaken the in-store experience.
The issue is becoming more important as Starbucks tries to defend its pricing power.
In the second quarter, Starbucks China reported revenue of $799.8 million, up 8% year on year. Same-store sales rose 0.5%, with transaction volume up 2.1% but average ticket size down 1.6%.
In other words, more customers were making purchases, but they were spending less per transaction.
The same pattern appeared in fiscal 2025’s fourth quarter, when same-store transactions in China rose 9% while average ticket size fell 7%.
As lower-priced coffee continues to attract consumers, Starbucks faces a basic question: what will justify an average ticket above the market average?
The answer is unlikely to be coffee alone.
North America Has Already Taken a Different Approach
Starbucks has already taken a clearer position in North America.
Last year, the company reversed its “open-door” policy introduced in 2018. In the US and Canada, people who do not make purchases can no longer remain in stores for extended periods or use facilities such as restrooms.
The policy, which took effect in January 2025, was presented as a way to improve the store experience and prioritize paying customers.
So far, it has not been extended to China.
Meanwhile, Starbucks China continues to experiment with its store formats.
This year, the company launched its “1,000 Stores, 1,000 Faces” initiative, using different products, services and store formats as part of its push toward a 20,000-store target.
The formats range from small stores and coffee carts to outlets in office buildings, hospitals and schools, as well as themed stores.
As the network becomes more diverse, the traditional Starbucks store is no longer the only model. This raises a new question: if smaller, grab-and-go formats continue to grow, which stores should still function as full-fledged “third spaces”?
With Boyu Capital’s acquisition of a 60% stake now completed, Starbucks China is entering a period of deeper localization and operational reform.
Its challenge is not simply to cut costs or sell more coffee, but to find a balance between profitability, employee interests, product quality and the customer experience that has long defined the brand.
For Starbucks China, the next question may be what customers are really paying for when they walk through the door.
Discover 30+ Shanghai events from Aug 19–Sep 12: Latin music festival, Highland Games, Mamma Mia! tribute, piano recitals, sports viewing, networking, and family shows. Early bird tickets, free entry options, and limited discounts available.
July’s electric, sold-out extravaganza had the whole crowd singing, swaying, and spinning under the stars.
Now, Laowaijae is officially transforming back into a sun-drenched Greek island paradise, and this time, it is gonna be even bigger, even brighter, and even more unforgettable—Mamma Mia! The Festival!
For one glorious, glittering day, Olympos Cafe & Garden Restaurant is throwing open the gates to the ultimate feel-good festival of the season.
The energy kicks off at 4pm sharp, and from the very first beat, you’ll be swept away into a world of pure nostalgia, dazzling sunshine (or dancing-in-the-rain spirit!), and the unmistakable magic of ABBA.
Standard Ticket | RMB200: Includes one seat for the performance, one drink, and one meal
Family Ticket | RMB500: Includes four seats to the performance, two drinks, and four meals (for 2 adults and 2 children under 12)
VIP Table | RMB1,000: Includes four front-row exclusive seats to the performance, a meat and cheese platter, one jug of cocktail, and one bottle of white wine
Kids under 5 are FREE!
Click below to get yours now:
Sat Sep 19, 4-9pm; RMB200-1,000
Olympos, No. 2, Lane 3338 Hongmei Lu, by Hongxu Lu, Minhang District 虹梅路3338弄2号, 近虹许路
Wednesday
FOTO LIVE @ Fotografiska Shanghai
Fotografiska Shanghai hosts a FOTO LIVE event, showcasing avant-garde jazz musicians on the fourth-floor lounge stage.
Enjoy captivating performances and meticulously crafted cocktails, and spend quality time with friends in a modern art-enriched ambiance.
The ticket price includes a general admission pass to Fotografiska Shanghai, providing access to all current exhibitions, in addition to an evening of live music.
Wed Aug 19, 8-10pm; RMB80, ticket covers all ongoing exhibitions in Fotografiska Shanghai
Fotografiska Shanghai, 4/F, 127 Guangfu Lu, by Jinyuan Lu, Jing'an District 光复路127号, 近晋元路
Thursday
Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks @ The Rooster
Football season is almost here!
Head to The Rooster for a special Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks viewing party.
Go behind the scenes, see the battles for roster spots, and get into football mode with cold beer, hot food, and fellow fans.
Before the first snap, it starts here.
Thu Aug 20, 7pm; Free Entry
The Rooster, 107, 445 Jiangning Lu, by Wuding Lu, Jing'an District 江宁路445号107, 近武定路
20% Off!
For a limited time, snag RMB100 The Rooster vouchers for just RMB80!
Click below to get yours now:
Trivia Thursday @ The Shed Hongqiao
Thursday Trivia returns to The Shed on Laowaijie / Hongmei Lu in Hongqiao after the summer break.
Expect 10 rounds covering everything from current events, geography, history, pop culture, music, film, and more.
There are F&B vouchers, bottles of prosecco, and rounds of shots up for grabs every week, while it is happy hour all night and chicken parma is just RMB48!
At the end of each quarterly season, the champions win even more fantastic prizes.
The quiz kicks off at 7.30pm and is all wrapped up by around 9.30pm—scan the QR code on the poster below to sign up now.
Every Thu, 7.30pm; Free Entry
The Shed Hongqiao, No. 30, Lane 3338 Hongmei Lu, by Hongxu Lu, Minhang District 虹梅路3338弄30号, 近虹许路
Friday
Speed Networking @ RIINK
Alright, everyone—time for the second Shanghai Speed Networking event, because let's face it: great connections shouldn't be left to chance.
Too many networking events just throw people in a room and hope something meaningful happens. But real conversations need more than just proximity.
That's where Third Place's Shanghai Speed Networking comes in. They've built a structure that actually makes connecting easier:
3-minute conversations that build momentum
Guided prompts that go beyond small talk
A format that gives everyone a fair chance to participate
Meet more people. Have better conversations. Discover new opportunities.
Fri Aug 21, 7pm; Free Entry
RIINK, Shankang Li, Building 18, Room 102, 358 Kangding Lu, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 静安区康定路358号陕康里18号楼102室
The Gooda Boys @ Abbey Road
The Gooda Boys are a three-piece pop-rock band featuring Paco Marcone (Perú) on lead vocals and guitar, Nathan Denny (US) on lead guitar and vocals, and Roberto (Perú) on keyboards.
Known for playing a wide range of styles—from rock to pop to country and beyond—they have staged shows in every kind of venue, from intimate gatherings to stadiums, and performed across China for more than 18 years.
Fri Aug 21, from 7.45pm; Free Entry
Abbey Road, 3 Taojiang Lu, by Fenyang Lu 桃江路3号, 近汾阳路
Saturday
Film Screening: The Matrix
VHS Revival has once again rented out an entire cinema for a special screening, this time The Wachowskis' 1999 dystopian sci-fi classic, The Matrix.
Scan the QR code on the poster above to reserve your seat, or find out about more special screenings.
"Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself."
Sat Aug 22, 2pm; RMB150
Scan the QR code for details
Awari Saturdays @ Journey to Africa
Your invitation into a world of wits, seeds, and strategy.
Wari (AKA awari, oware, or awale) isn’t just a board game—it’s Africa’s favorite brain sport, played for centuries across the continent and beyond.
Quick to learn, endlessly addictive, and guaranteed to spark trash-talk among friends.
No experience needed—just bring your playful spirit!
Sat Aug 22, from 3pm; Free Entry
Room 403A, Building A, Huailian Creative Plaza, 125 Jiangsu Bei Lu, near Changning Lu, Changning District 江苏北路125号
Big Lowe's BBQ XXI @ The Rooster
Big Lowe's BBQ is back for their 21st BBQ pop-up. Tender, slow smoked brisket plates and sliders.
Need we say more?
Sat Aug 22, 4pm-Sold Out; Free Entry
The Rooster, 107, 445 Jiangning Lu, by Wuding Lu, Jing'an District 江宁路445号107, 近武定路
20% Off!
For a limited time, snag RMB100 The Rooster vouchers for just RMB80!
Click below to get yours now:
Welcome Back Party @ Tacolicious
Summer break is almost over, and Tacolicious is ready to welcome everyone back the right way—with tacos, drinks, music, familiar faces, and plenty of reasons to stay out a little later than planned.
Whether everyone has been traveling, hiding from the Shanghai heat, or simply waiting for the city to come back to life, this is the night to get the crew together and start the next chapter of summer.
No homework, no uniforms, no excuses. Just show up hungry, grab a drink, find some friends, and make the first big night back count.
Sat Aug 22, from 6pm; Free Entry
Tacolicious, Room 104-105, 34 Yuyao Lu, by Xikang Lu 余姚路34号1幢104-105室, 近西康路
20% Off!
For a limited time, snag RMB100 Tacolicious vouchers for just RMB80!
Click below to get yours now:
Behzod Abduraimov Piano Recital @ Shanghai Concert Hall
Phenomenal technique, breathtaking delicacy, and immense musical depth—these are the hallmarks of Behzod Abduraimov, one of today's most commanding pianists.
The Uzbek-born virtuoso brings a richly contrasting program to the stage, opening with Brahms's autumnal Four Piano Pieces (Op. 119), followed by Czerny's dazzling Rode Variations and Liszt's monumental Dante Sonata—a thunderous vision of heaven and hell.
After intermission, Debussy's dreamy Suite bergamasque yields to Stravinsky's explosive Three Movements from Petrushka, a tour de force of rhythmic intensity.
Abduraimov performs with the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and Royal Concertgebouw, and records for Alpha Classics to critical acclaim—his most recent album earning a Gramophone Editor's Choice.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear "a pianist who simply transcends his instrument."
Click below to get your tickets now:
Sat Aug 22, 7.30pm, RMB180-480
Shanghai Concert Hall, 523 Yan'an Dong Lu, by Jinling Zhong Lu, Huangpu District 延安东路523号, 近金陵中路
K-POP Skate Night @ RIINK
Saturday K-POP girls and boys, assemble!
Get ready to roll—K-POP fans, hold off on making other plans for Saturday night just yet. RIINK is bringing together K-POP, summer energy, and roller skating all in one place.
From the songs you have loved since childhood to the tracks that make you hum the moment the intro hits—they have got them all covered.
Come lace up your skates, blast your favourite K-POP hits, and sing and dance as much as you want.
When your legs need a break, grab a bite and a drink, recharge, and roll right back out. Whether you are a fan of 1st gen, 2nd gen, 3rd gen, 4th gen, 5th gen, or 6th gen—there is something for everyone.
Sat Aug 22, 8pm-Late; Free Entry
RIINK, Shankang Li, Building 18, Room 102, 358 Kangding Lu, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 静安区康定路358号陕康里18号楼102室
South Africa v All Blacks @ Guinness Social
Saturday night, and the All Blacks take on the Springboks in the first test of their tour of South Africa.
You can also catch the All Blacks playing the Lions at Guinness Social next Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, with a 1am kick off.
Sat Aug 22, 11.10pm; Free Entry
Wed Aug 26, 1am; Free Entry
Guinness Social by Butler & White's, No. 7-7, Tianzifang, Lane 210 Taikang Lu, by Sinan Lu, Huangpu District 田子坊7号7室, 泰康路210弄, 近思南路
20% Off!
For a limited time, snag RMB100 Guinness Social vouchers for just RMB80!
Click below to get yours now:
Sunday
We Love Geography Quiz + Carvery @ BNC
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The quiz theme at BNC this Sunday is We Love Geography!
Family-friendly, entry to the quiz is absolutely free and there are great prizes on offer.
The carvery is just RMB128 for adults, and RMB68 for kids, lasts from 1-4pm, and includes two meats (which change each week), two types of potato, three veg, and—of course—Yorkshire puddings with your choice of beef or onion gravy and horseradish.
Better still, you can add three hours of free flow drinks for just RMB168!
Scan the QR code on the poster above to reserve your spot.
Sun Aug 23, from 1pm; Free Entry
BNC, 685 Xikang Lu, by Changping Lu, Jing'an District 西康路685号, 近昌平路
Summer Afternoon Jazz Duo @ Cotton's
A Sunday afternoon of jazz in the beautiful Cotton's garden.
Sun Aug 23, 2-5pm; Free Entry
Cotton's, 294 Xinhua Lu, by Panyu Lu 新华路294号, 近番禺路
Family Show – Pop Queens @ The Pearl
An afternoon of iconic anthems in the ultimate tribute to pop royalty—Pink, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Avril Lavigne, and Dua Lipa—all in one unforgettable set of bigger dreams, louder voices, and non‑stop energy!
Click below to get your tickets now:
Sun Aug 23, from 4pm
Adult Free-Flow RMB199, includes 3 hours free-flow drinks
Adult Standard RMB100
Ages 6-12 RMB60
Under 5s free
The Pearl, 471 Zhapu Lu, by Wujin Lu 乍浦路471号, 近武进路
New Art Shows
Making a Scene | Inside China's Skate Culture & Almaty Skate Girls @ Fotografiska Shanghai
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Fotografiska Shanghai's major group exhibition Skate of the Art: Skateboarding Across Cultures features 21 global artists exploring the international skate landscape.
It highlights how photography goes beyond documenting skate scenes to actively construct their cultural imagination—forging transgenerational icons, myths, and collective identities.
Until September 6, Fotografiska Shanghai and Nike SB will also jointly present two special projects—Making a Scene: Inside China's Skate Culture and Hailun Ma’s solo exhibition Almaty Skate Girls—showcasing photography’s role in cultivating local skate culture and its emerging expressions in Central Asian cities.
RMB80-100, ticket covers all ongoing exhibitions in Fotografiska Shanghai
Ongoing
50% Off!
Taixu Dreamscape @ 1862 Theatre
In 1940s occupied Haicheng, an opera troupe is forced to stage The Dream of Red Mansions by foreign powers using five travel passes as bait.
But as betrayals unfold and the truth emerges, the passes reveal themselves as fiction—everyone, including the city, exists only as preordained code in a vast program.
Taixu Dreamscape revolutionizes traditional theater. Wearing Apple Vision Pro, six live performers merge with virtual characters as you explore a 360° world where reality and illusion coexist.
Powered by the world's first theatrical deployment of 4D Gaussian Splatting, this 60-minute walking immersive experience has no fixed seats. Wherever you stand becomes your private camera angle.
Normally priced at RMB298-398, we are selling tickets to August performances of TAIXU Dreamscape for just RMB199.
Note: No eyeglasses under the headset (contact lenses recommended). Not suitable for pregnant women, those 65+, or individuals with epilepsy, heart conditions, or hypertension. No late entry after 15 minutes.
Click below to get your tickets now:
Daily, 3.30pm, 5pm, 7pm & 8.30pm
RMB199
1862 Theatre, 1777 Binjiang Dadao, by Rizhao Lu, Pudong District 滨江大道1777号, 近日照路
New F&B Deals
Pasta & Pizza Club @ La Strada
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Head to either La Strada Westbund Central work days 11am to 5pm for a RMB68 pasta or pizza.
Then, from 5pm, head to either La Strada location below for their Pasta Club RMB98 Work Day Set Dinner, that runs to 7pm.
La Strada, Westbund Central, 869 Xiaomuqiao Lu, by Zhongshan Nan Er Lu, Xuhui District 小木桥路 869号1楼, 近中山南二路
La Strada Taikoo Li, 1/F, Wood Zone, Taikoo Li, 500 Dongyu Lu, by Yangsi Xi Lu, Pudong District 前滩太古里木区1楼, 东育路500弄, 近杨思西路
20% Off!
Early Bird Xmas Discounts
Not quite time for Mariah Carey yet, but order in August and take advantage of a 20% discount on a whole lot of Christmas goodies from Butler & White's and Jerry's Christmas.
Homeslice’s monthly Detroit Pizza special returns!
Detroit Pizza is a unique (and uniquely delicious) style of pizza. A light fluffy focaccia style base, with a crazy frico cheese crust that goes right down the edges and will have you elbowing your friends out the way to get those corner pieces for yourself.
Available for one day only. Guests are encouraged to reserve theirs before they sell out.
Wed Aug 26, from 11am
Homeslice Kitchen, Shankang Li, 358 Kangding Lu, Bldg 3, Unit 103, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 康定路358号3幢103室
20% Off!
For a limited time, snag RMB100 Homeslice vouchers for just RMB80!
What is really happening in Shanghai's architecture, interior design, and construction market?
Are projects becoming harder to deliver? Are budgets, timelines and technical demands pushing teams to rethink how they work? Where are the real opportunities—and what challenges are we still struggling to solve?
XCHANGE TALKS — MARKET CHALLENGES brings together seven architects and interior designers to share real projects, experiences and the frustrations behind the work.
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Beyond the talks, the event creates a valuable space to connect with people across the industry—from academia and corporations to top talent, suppliers and decision-makers.
Join an evening of ideas, honest conversations, and meaningful connections.
Legendary British pianist Paul Lewis makes his highly anticipated Shanghai solo debut.
A reigning master of the Central European repertoire and CBE recipient, Lewis launches his global Mozart+ tour with a program that challenges the notion that Mozart's piano sonatas are overshadowed by his concertos.
The evening pairs two contrasting Mozart masterworks—the radiant 'C major Sonata K.330' and the dramatic 'C minor Sonata K.457'—with Poulenc's witty and translucent 'Improvisations' and Debussy's shimmering 'L'Isle joyeuse.'
Lewis reveals how Mozart's keyboard inventions echo through later composers, finding traces of his spirit in Poulenc's crisp playfulness and Debussy's sensuous fluidity.
A former Cliburn and Leeds jury chair, Lewis brings his signature clarity, depth, and unfussy eloquence to this carefully curated 90-minute journey—an unmissable opportunity to hear one of today's foremost pianists.
Click below to get your tickets now:
Fri Aug 28, 7.30pm; RMB180-480
Shanghai Concert Hall, 523 Yan'an Dong Lu, by Jinling Zhong Lu, Huangpu District 延安东路523号, 近金陵中路
Healing Arts Festival @ The Living Room by Octave
Discover the 12th Healing Arts Festival, where heritage meets AI. Explore 80+ workshops across sound, movement, and craft. Reconnect mind, body, and spirit in an urban sanctuary.
An immersive journey into timeless wisdom and future wellbeing.
For a limited time, snag RMB100 Parlay vouchers for just RMB80!
Click below to get yours now:
Chi Fan for Charity @ Around Town
On September 12, 26 of Shanghai’s finest restaurants will unite for Chi Fan for Charity. Each crafts a special 10-person menu, with proceeds supporting three local charities.
With prices starting at RMB400 and afterparty tickets included, this meaningful evening blends world-class dining with community impact.
Click the link below to find out more, check out the restaurant options, and reserve your seats now!