From the fashion pulse of Nanjing Rd W. to the artistic flow along the Suzhou Creek, an array of discounts are being offered by tourist attractions in Jing'an District, with a two-day itinerary recommended.

Wander through the streets and lanes in Jing'an to explore Shanghai's profound heritage and encounter the beauty of daily life as you are invited to contribute itineraries for the ongoing first season of the Shanghai tourism itinerary competition.

Among the special offers, the Picasso Art Museum and "The Voyage of Qinghua – An Immersive Experience of Maritime Silk Road" exhibition will offer half-price admission to the public between December 18 and 24.

"The Voyage of Qinghua" uses digital technology as a brush to present the artistic charm of the blue and white porcelain of the Yongle (1403-1424) and Xuande (1426-1435) eras of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Visitors will travel through time and space together with a personified blue-and-white elf and Ming Dynasty navigator Zheng He, experience the legendary story of the Maritime Silk Road, and feel the brilliant sparks of the collision between Eastern and Western civilizations.

The same treat is offered for "Art Masters: A Virtual Reality Experience," the world's first interactive VR exhibition of masterpieces from Madrid's Museo Nacional del Prado, which is currently on at Sihang Warehouse.

VERS Immersive Exploration Center will offer 20 percent off for several exhibitions such as "The Disappearing Pharaoh and Life Chronicles" and "Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874," a large-scale VR journey commemorating the 150th anniversary of Impressionism.

Moreover, you are invited to explore the charm of Jing'an on foot and embark on an immersive journey blending lifestyle, food and inspiration following the below route:

Here are the highlights:

Day 1: A Modern Tour of Nanjing Rd W., from Fashion Landmarks to Shikumen's Hustle and Bustle

Stop 1: The Louis, a futuristic "ship" installation

Start your journey at HKRI Taikoo Hui, the fashion hub on Nanjing Rd W., which is also the current most popular check-in spot for The Louis, featuring cruise-ship-inspired architecture and immersive concept design. The "ship" resembles a futuristic cruise liner anchored, delivering a powerful visual impact. Every snapshot taken here is a high-fashion masterpiece.

Step inside, and the exhibition spaces, boutique stores and coffee terraces unfold layer by layer. The brand's stories and the inclusive elegance of Shanghai as the "Oriental Gateway" are vividly embodied in this urban "port."

Address: HKRI Taikoo Hui, 789 Nanjing Rd W.

Stop 2: Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Across the street stands the equally buzzworthy Starbucks Reserve Roastery, an immersive sensory haven. More than just a café, it is an immersive "coffee theater" with giant roasting equipment and winding conveyor pipes together to stage a live show centered around coffee.

Sit down and order a limited-edition specialty drink paired with a freshly baked pastry. Amidst the aroma and mechanical rhythms, experience the lifestyle of Nanjing Rd W. that stays in sync with global trend.

Address: Units N110-N201, HKRI Taikoo Hui, 789 Nanjing Rd W.

Noon

Savor Authentic Shanghai Flavors at the Time-Honored Wangjiasha

Step away from the dynamic fashion atmosphere, turn a corner, and you will find Wangjiasha, a nearly 80-year-old time-honored brand inscribed on the national intangible cultural heritage list.

Without lavish decorations, it offers the most authentic and hearty taste of Shanghai's daily life, making it a beloved favorite of generations of Shanghainese.

Xiaolongbao with crab powder and shelled fresh shrimp filling (soup dumplings), liangmianhuang (crispy pan-fried noodles), and babaofan (eight-treasure rice), a table of dim sum outlines a complete map of Shanghai flavors. Amidst the rising steam, indulge in the most local daily life of Shanghai.

Address: 805 Nanjing Rd W.

Afternoon

Stop 1: Zhangyuan

After lunch, take a leisure stroll to Zhangyuan Garden, once hailed as "Shanghai's No. 1 Garden" and now one of the best-preserved shikumen (stone-gated) building complexes in the city. The red brick facades, dormer windows, and about 20 distinctive styles of shikumen houses create picturesque scenes at every turn.

While preserving its original architectural texture, Zhangyuan has also introduced a variety of high-end brand stores and cultural spaces. New lifestyles thrive within the historic buildings, blending the old with the new. Here, you can feel the historical charm while checking in to the latest urban hotspots.

Address: 258 Maoming Rd N.

Stop 2: Picasso Art Museum

Continue along the route, and you will reach the Picasso Art Museum, housed in a century-old historic building. The architecture itself exudes great charm, and the ongoing special exhibition "Picasso and Peace" makes this space stand out prominently on Jing'an's cultural map.

Address: 1394 Beijing Rd W.

Stop 3: VERS Immersive Exploration Center

If you still crave more, head to the VERS Immersive Exploration Center for a time-space journey from the Suzhou Creek to the Pyramids, from Jing'an to Paris. The center offers a long-term lineup of diverse immersive and VR experiences, allowing you to step into different civilizations and art scenes through light, shadow and cutting-edge technology.

Ongoing are "The Disappearing Pharaoh and Life Chronicles" and "Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874."

Day 2: Riverside Stroll Along the Suzhou Creek, From Historic Sites to Artistic Piers

Stop 1: Fotografiska Shanghai

Immerse yourself in the dynamic current of contemporary visual arts at Fotografiska Shanghai, located by the riverside.

Renowned for its stunning visual narratives and immersive exhibition design, the center encourages visitors to step into the artworks and engage in interaction. As an observer, you also become part of the visual narrative, engaging in an in-depth dialogue about contemporary visual culture through the clicks of camera shutters and the interplay of light and shadow.

Address: 127 Guangfu Road

Stop 2: Guang'er Warehouse

First built in 1933 as the "Bank of Communications Warehouse," the warehouse has undergone a rich and tortuous historical evolution over the past century. In 2015, the project was listed in the fifth batch of Excellent Historical Buildings in Shanghai. In October last year, it was renovated and upgraded, re-opening to the public with a brand-new look.

Address: 195 Guangfu Road

Noon: Read the Flowing Riverside Stories on a Cruise

After a brisk morning walk, slow down your pace and board a cruise at the Sihang Warehouse Cruise Terminal on the Suzhou Creek for a relaxing water tour. As the cruise gently departs, the Sihang Warehouse, old factories, creative parks and modern highrises pass by in sequence, like a roll of urban film unfolding along the riverbank.

Address: Opposite Shuangyong Park

Afternoon:

Stop 1: Daning Park

After returning by cruise, take a bus or subway to Daning Park and embrace its vast greenery. Known as the city's "oxygen pump," the park features expansive lawns, lakeside scenery, a white sand beach and European-style plazas. You can take a leisurely walk here or sit on a bench to daydream, allowing your body and mind to fully relax in nature.

Address: 288 Guangzhong Rd W.

Stop 2: Shanghai Circus World

Next, head to Shanghai Circus World to watch the world-famous signature show ERA 2, an acrobatic extravaganza. More than a traditional acrobatics performance, it is an integrated spectacle that combines breathtaking stunts, choreography, cutting-edge stage technology and dramatic storytelling.

The aerial rings, horizontal bar routines and roller skating acrobatics will keep you on the edge of your seat, holding your breath.

Address: 2266 Gonghexin Road