Shanghai returns to work on Sept 28 after the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, while the National Day holiday begins on Oct 1. This week brings the World Design Cities Conference, the Shanghai Equestrian Masters, the Robotex Asia Finals, and two international powerboat events. Here are the main updates for the week.

Weather: Temperatures to drop around National Day

Rain is expected to ease slightly on Sept 29, followed by showers on Sept 30. Temperatures will remain between 23 C and 27 C.

A cold front around Oct 1 will bring strong winds and cooler weather. From Oct 2 to 4, temperatures are expected to fall, with lows around 20 C in Shanghai and below 20 C in some suburban areas. Daytime highs will be 25 C or lower.

National Day holiday

The National Day holiday runs from Oct 1 to 7. Sept 20 and Oct 10 are designated working days under the adjusted holiday schedule.

National Day outings in Shanghai

Shanghai's 16 districts have prepared activities for residents and visitors during the holiday. The Shanghai Tourism Festival classic season also continues, with a full program of holiday events.

Read more

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2026 Shanghai Tourism Festival classic season: Flavors of the city

2026 Shanghai Tourism Festival classic season: After-dark highlights

World Design Cities Conference 2026

World Design Cities Conference 2026 runs from Sept 28 to 30, with its main venue in Huangpu district. The main exhibition opened on Sept 26. Under the theme "Design Generates", the conference features more than 100 events exploring AI, sustainable design, and innovation in industrial, fashion, architectural, digital, and service design.

Shanghai Equestrian Masters

The Shanghai Equestrian Masters runs from Sept 28 to 30 at the Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Center.

The program includes a team relay pairing Chinese and international riders. An 11-day horse culture carnival, running from Sept 27 to Oct 7, features light shows, concerts, and equestrian performances.

Read more

Shanghai Equestrian Masters draws top international show jumpers

Shanghai International Light Festival

The third Shanghai International Light Festival runs from Sept 17 to Oct 16 under the theme "Light of Shanghai".

Read more

→ Shanghai's light festival guide: Water shows, historic towns, and more

→ Shanghai's light festival guide: Parks, waterfronts, and more

Robotex Asia Finals

The 26th Season Robotex Asia Finals and the 2nd Tech and Entertainment Festival will be held on Oct 4 and 5 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

The program includes robotics competitions, drone activities, and technology and cultural displays from more than 20 countries.

2026 International Audio-Visual Arts Carnival

The 2026 International Audio-Visual Arts Carnival runs from Sept 24 to Oct 18. The program includes a technology-and-art exhibition, immersive performances, and outdoor symphony concerts. Most activities take place at the Shanghai Exhibition Center (上海展览中心).

UIM-ABP Aquabike and F1H2O world championships

Two international powerboat events will be held back-to-back on the inland waters of the Shanghai Long Beach area in Baoshan district.

The UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship Grand Prix of Shanghai runs from Oct 2 to 3, followed by the 2026 F1H2O World Championship Grand Prix of Shanghai from Oct 4 to 5.

More midday express trains on Metro Line 16

From Sept 28, Metro Line 16 adds two express trains during midday hours on workdays, one in each direction. The express trains depart from Longyang Road Station and Dishui Lake Station at 12:30 pm.

The Phantom of the Opera: 40th-anniversary Shanghai farewell season

The original production of The Phantom of the Opera runs at the Shanghai Grand Theatre from Sept 29 to Dec 27.

The musical, which premiered in 1986, is based on Gaston Leroux's novel of the same name. Ramin Karimloo will star as the Phantom alongside the international touring cast.

 

Sources: General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, official sources for the events mentioned above