Nestled in the heart of Shanghai, Changning District stands as a vibrant destination that seamlessly weaves together cultural heritage, immersive experiences and modern leisure, offering visitors an unforgettable journey through the city's diverse charms.

With the Changning session of the "Discover Shanghai" Tourism Guide Super Competition ongoing between December 15 and 21, the district has rolled out a slew of exciting offers and events.

Shanghai Zoo

A beloved landmark with a history dating back to 1954, it treats tourists with half-price tickets during the period. Spanning 743,000 square meters, the zoo houses China's endemic rare wild animals such as golden snub-nosed monkeys, Chinese alligators, giant pandas and South China tigers, alongside a rich array of animals from across the globe, making it a perfect spot for family outings.

It is divided into five core zones, housing exhibition areas for birds, primates, carnivores, herbivores, as well as amphibians and reptiles.

It offers half-price admission through December 21.

Address: 2381 Hongqiao Road

Suzhou Creek Cruise

The vicissitudes of the city are reflected in the meandering of the Suzhou Creek, which nurtures the people of Shanghai, and is a silent witness to its development.

It is a journey into the city's past, present and future, enabling people to savor the unique splendor of haipai (Shanghai-style) culture. It also opens a window for tourists to savor the history and cultural essence of the city.

During the period, the cruise tour offers a 40 percent discount.

Tickets can be purchased via the WeChat account and mini program of "悠游苏州河" prior to the trips.

iQiyi and X-META Immersive Adventure

iQIYI, a leading streaming platform, has joined hands with metaverse-themed park X-META to settle in Columbia Circle. They transform online film and television content into offline experiences with a strong sense of scene and immersion, unlocking new ways to enjoy hit IPs.

The event offers unlimited access with one ticket for the special offer.

Address: 1262 Yan'an Rd W.

Cultural Experience

The thousand-year-old Dunhuang art is back in Shanghai. Nearly 100 exquisite exhibits and five elaborate replica grottoes take visitors on a journey through time, offering an immersive Dunhuang cultural experience.

The cultural and art feast spanning 3,000 kilometers takes place at Yi Fung Place, bringing the ancient Dunhuang culture to life in Shanghai.

The Mogao Grottoes, also known as the Thousand-Buddha Caves, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, and are recognized as a world-renowned cultural and artistic treasure.

The exhibition is open to the public for free and runs through March 31, 2026.

Exhibits include five replica grottoes of the classic Mogao Grottoes, representative murals from the early, middle, and late periods of Dunhuang, and graceful Dunhuang painted sculptures.

During the period, special discounts for selected cultural and creative products are being offered.

Address: 199 Xianxia Road

Admission: Free (reservation is required via "何以敦煌" WeChat account)

Columbia Circle

Columbia Circle has gradually emerged as a new cultural landmark in Changning District and even Shanghai. It regularly hosts a variety of art performances and events.

Upcoming events:

String Quartet Special – Intro Quartet

Date: 7:30pm, December 24, 28

Tickets: 128 yuan

Brass Ensemble Special – TROMBASSIMO Bass Brass Ensemble

Date: 2pm, January 1

Tickets: 80 yuan

Address: 1262 Yan'an Rd W.

The Place

"Land of Wilderness," hailed by countless as a fairy-tale dreamland, crosses mountains and rivers to make its debut in East China. This winter, folk singer and "wild architect" Qiao Xiaodao presents its East China premiere to Shanghai residents and tourists.

Founded by Qiao in Lijiang, southwest China's Yunnan Province, in 2020 as an amusement park for children, it transforms scrap wood, iron sheets, and mechanical parts into whimsical cottages. Quirky mechanical vehicles, slides, and trampolines breathe childhood spirit into industrial waste.

The East China premiere features a 300-square-meter kingdom with over 30 fairytale cottages. A 10-meter-tall giant "Desert Post Office" postal vehicle installation stands as the most iconic dream landmark. Eleven movable odd-shaped vehicles will cruise the block irregularly, and dozens of imaginative art installations help a fairy-tale wilderness thrive brilliantly in the bustling city.

Date: Through March 1, 2026

Address: 100 Zunyi Road