Stories from Shanghai · China

Retailers in Shanghai are preparing for high foot traffic as May Day holiday discounts coincide with the Shanghai '55' Shopping Festival. Shanghai's consumer market is experiencing a surge during the 2026 '55 Shopping Festival' and the Shanghai station of the China International Consumer Products Expo. Shanghai is hosting the 7th Shanghai '55 Shopping Festival' as part of the 2026 Consumption Season in China. During China's International Consumer Season Shanghai Station, online and offline consumption reached 64.3 billion yuan from April 30 to May 4, a 7.7% year-on-year increase. Consumer spending in Shanghai surged during a recent shopping festival, indicating a strong recovery in retail activity. During the 2026 '55 Shopping Festival' in Shanghai, over 300 events are being launched daily across various districts and commercial areas.

Offline tax refund sales for overseas tourists increased nearly 10-fold year-on-year between May last year and April this year. During the May Day holiday, foreign tourists at Beijing's Wangfujing department store utilized on-site tax refund services, finding them more convenient than in Europe. During the May Day holiday from May 1st to 4th, 78 key commercial pedestrian street areas monitored by the Ministry of Commerce saw a year-on-year increase of 5.0% in customer traffic and 5.3% in turnover. As of May 4th, consumer goods have been updated in 2026, attracting 86.2 million visitors and driving sales of 629.27 billion yuan. In Beijing, the Wangfujing shopping mall saw a continuous influx of foreign tourists during the holiday.

Chinese science fiction films draw inspiration from real historical and mythological events, alongside public cultural symbols.

Wang Ming, co-chief analyst for the chemical industry at Changjiang Securities, discussed the overall valuation levels of the chemical industry in the A-share market. The chemical sector is expected to perform well, driven by factors including geopolitical conflicts and demand for materials in emerging technologies. Geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, are significantly impacting the oil and gas market, leading to delayed interest rate cut expectations. This situation, along with other factors, is contributing to revenue expansion in the chemical sector. The speaker remains optimistic about the chemical sector unless these core drivers change. Advances in robotics, including human-like robots, are also driving demand for advanced materials, which are often fine or high-end chemicals.

The Chinese Yuan has strengthened against the Russian Ruble. Every 100 Japanese Yen was valued at 4.979 Korean Won, and every 100 Korean Won was 87.2 Chinese Yuan.

A report was submitted to the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee proposing the organization of an inspection tour to the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

Young Chinese individuals are showcasing their talents in various fields, including the upcoming 48th World Skills Competition in Shanghai. The studio manages three employee dogs: Oreo, Black Bean, and An An.

A new round of precipitation is expected to begin starting tomorrow as warm, moist air strengthens and moves north, coinciding with a southward push of cold air. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in southern China due to strengthening warm air.

Foreign tourists are experiencing Chinese culture through hands-on activities like tea picking and visiting traditional villages. Foreign tourists have expressed positive feedback regarding safety in Shanghai. This sentiment has been noted by multiple sources.

An American blogger noted feeling 100% safe walking alone on Shanghai streets at 10:40 PM, stating this is impossible in New York. The common experience of safe and trustworthy daily life scenes in China is a key takeaway for many international visitors.