Melodious violin notes drifted through the alleyways, foreign vocalists delivered spirited performances, and dancers in resplendent ethnic costumes moved with infectious energy. On September 13, the launch of the Classic Events Season for the 37th Shanghai Tourism Festival transformed In·Point 8 Lane, the landmark Shanghai style destination within Binggang Commercial Centre, into a global stage. Three parade troupes from Mexico, Peru and Lincang in China’s Yunnan Province took to the streets one after another, parading across the block and sparking waves of cheers.
First up was Mexico’s ¡Viva México! Folk Dance Troupe. The award-winning ensemble fuses Mexican folk dance with marching brass music for high impact, highly emotive performances. Singer Chema Ortega stepped into the crowd to interact warmly with onlookers. Making his debut at In·Point 8 Lane, he reflected on the difference between performing in century old alleyways versus conventional theatres. “The audience here is incredibly enthusiastic. I am thoroughly enjoying this show. Through the Shanghai Tourism Festival, I hope more people can appreciate the charm of Mexican music and culture.”
Next came Sensación Espléndida, a folk dance company from Lima, Peru. Dancers clad in vivid, ornate traditional costumes recounted Peruvian stories through bold, rhythmic movements brimming with South American verve.
Closing the session was the Gengma Song and Dance Troupe from Lincang, Yunnan, known as “China’s Hometown of Perpetual Spring”. Young performers in brilliant ethnic costumes brought to life ICH traditions of southwest Yunnan, conjuring artistic imagery of “sacred birds spreading their wings and auspicious deer dancing to melodies”.
The troupe devoted meticulous thought to its Shanghai repertoire. According to Wang Feng from the Bureau of Culture and Tourism of Gengma Dai and Va Autonomous County, the production incorporates local intangible heritage elements framed around Gengma’s Water Splashing Festival dance. It integrates the nationally recognised ICH White Elephant Deer Dance, the provincial level Kinnara Dance, as well as representative Dai puppet theatre. The performance bears witness to the profound cultural legacy and ethnic diversity of this Yunnan border city. “Performing in these century old Shanghai lanes reveals the magic of cultural exchange,” Wang Feng commented. “Artists from across the world share the stage, showcasing the beauty of cultural inclusiveness. Our ethnic minority performers have broadened their horizons. We get to share our indigenous heritage, while feeling immense pride for our distinctive folk traditions.”
Back-to-back multicultural performances drew huge crowds. Applause and cheers echoed through the lanes, with many spectators filming throughout. Zhang Hang, a visitor who booked tickets online, wore a Chinese style qipao for her immersive experience. “We may have different skin colors, yet culture brings us the same joy — it has been wonderful.” Ms Wang, a student newly arrived in Shanghai, chanced upon the street side gala and was dazzled by the eclectic international acts. Visiting the historic lanes for the first time, she planned further exploration: “This place feels unlike anywhere else, steeped in nostalgia.”
Highlights of the ongoing Classic Events Season will keep unfolding. Beyond public troupe performances, the tourism festival’s signature float parade will pass through In·Point 8 Lane at Binggang Commercial Centre for the very first time on September 17. As one of Hongkou’s parade stops, 21 newly designed themed floats will assemble in the lane precinct. Conceived around three core concepts: multicultural integration, scientific innovation and dynamism, and the warmth of a people-centred city, the floats enable visitors to admire intricate details alongside live entertainment, immersing audiences in Shanghai’s urban narratives and festive atmosphere.
Throughout the tourism festival, In·Point 8 Lane at Binggang Commercial Centre will also host the Shanghai style In Point · Moonlit Mid-Autumn series. Light and shadow installations, vibrant live shows and festive perks build up holiday cheer. The large-scale literary lane installation Words Lit Up is already on view, complemented by other immersive works: The Grand Opening lane projections, Voices Forming a Forest tree mounted light displays and Light Unfolding Along the Lane, jointly creating a literary promenade. Visitors checking in at these installations may receive limited edition gifts including cultural creative tote bags, exquisitely crafted palace lanterns and pony figurines. Furthermore, the newly opened WASU VAS evo venue presents star studded line ups delivering spectacular weekly live music events.