Jiang Xiaowei / Shanghai Daily
A performer in traditional Chinese clothing greets visitors as part of the cultural activities at Yuyuan Garden Malls.
A monthlong intangible cultural heritage season was launched at the Yuyuan Garden Malls on Friday, offering a chance for global visitors to experience China's heritage in a modern and interactive way.
The venue, the shopping and dining complex around the historic garden, is known for its collection of over 100 intangible cultural heritage (ICH) skills and more than 20 "China Time-honored Brands."
The event features artisans who specialize in traditional Chinese crafts, including embroidery, stone carving, and dance. They will demonstrate their skills and offer workshops where visitors can try the techniques themselves.
Each week, the event introduces new themes. In the first week, a partnership with the animated film The Lion Dance Boys brings Chinese lion dances and martial arts performances. Visitors can watch live performances and participate in dance workshops.
In the second week, the focus shifts to ethnic minority culture with performances of folk dances and traditional music combined with modern elements like electronic sounds.
Jiang Xiaowei / Shanghai Daily
Visitors take pictures with large installations created with traditional craft techniques on display during the ICH Season.
A key event will be held at the historic Mid-Lake Pavilion, known as the "No. 1 teahouse of Shanghai," on the Zigzag Bridge On November 22.
Two tea masters and two young potters will discuss tea-making and pottery. Guests can take part in tea-tasting and pottery-making workshops.
In the third and fourth weeks, characters from popular games and animations will be brought to life through live-action performances, aiming to attract younger audiences to traditional Chinese culture.
The event has drawn increasing interest from foreign tourists, who are attracted to the interactive and visually engaging elements.
According to a survey of the malls, traditional Chinese crafts, food from time-honored brands, and ICH handicrafts are among the top three purchases by international visitors to Yuyuan Garden Malls.
Jiang Xiaowei / Shanghai Daily
International tourists watch craftsmen demonstrate traditional techniques during the ICH Season at Yuyuan Garden Malls.
If You Go:
Event: Yuyuan Garden 2025 Intangible Cultural Heritage Season
Duration: Through December 14, 2025
Site: Yuyuan Garden Malls
Address: 265 Fangbang Rd M.
Admission: Free
Public Transportation: Yuyuan Garden Station of Metro Line 10, 14
Jiang Xiaowei / Shanghai Daily
A dancer performs the intangible cultural heritage rowing lantern dance from neighboring Zhejiang Province during the Yuyuan Garden Malls ICH Season.
2026-03-06
