The first Shanghai International Yachting Week opened at the North Bund in Hongkou District on Tuesday.

The event has transformed a traditionally exclusive luxury hobby into an affordable lifestyle experience for the public. It marks the first time Shanghai has held a major yacht exhibition.

The six-day carnival is being held along a two-kilometer waterfront. A total of 30 yachts from major global and domestic builders are on display.

The event also features more than 100 food and craft vendors, 19 specialty bars, an outdoor movie theater, and pickleball courts.

"We see huge potential in the Chinese yacht market," said Jad Zakkak Migliorini, global marketing director of Italian yacht maker Azimut.

The brand has already sold more than 100 vessels in China.

The Hongkou government aims to turn the North Bund into a primary destination for superyachts.

The North Bund International Cruise Terminal has the only professional yacht basin in Shanghai that has been approved to host foreign-flagged vessels.

During the opening ceremony, a fleet of 10 yachts cruised past the Bund under the city lights.

Top international yacht brands Azimut, Ferretti, and Sanlorenzo are anchoring the waterfront display. At the Azimut booth, organizers built a "Mediterranean garden" with outdoor sofas where visitors can view the boats while sampling Italian wine.

Sanlorenzo announced it will keep its luxury yacht at the pier for two months, allowing visitors to board after completing standard border inspection procedures.

Domestic shipbuilders are also displaying new technologies at the event. Chinese firm Yihong Yachts brought its latest smart vessels. These models feature integrated artificial intelligence voice assistants to help navigate the ships.

The waterfront features distinct themed zones for visitors. The riverside area resembles the French Riviera with white curtains, rattan chairs, and 20 fragrance and handicraft shops. The waterfront also features an urban wilderness camp with vintage recreational vehicles, tents, and LED campfires.

If you go

Date: Through June 21, 2026

Venue: North Bund Waterfront (International Cruise Terminal)

Address: 500 Dongdaming Rd 虹口区东大名路500号

Admission: Free