China Travel Updates
What changed for visitors — entry rules, transport, payments, attractions and events.
- Festivals & Events
Shanghai International Artwork Trade Week 2026 opens with 300+ galleries
The eighth Shanghai International Artwork Trade Week opened under the theme "Global Art Scene, Art Shanghai, Art in Motion." More than 300 Chinese and international art institutions brought over 10,000 works to the city, with more than 100 art events held across Shanghai. The event ran from November 9, 2026.
via Shanghai Culture and Tourism Bureau
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HADO World Cup and AR sports festival to take over Shanghai's North Bund
The 2026 HADO World Cup and Bright Meat Virtual Sports Festival will bring four international AR competitions, virtual sports experiences, and a food carnival to the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal on North Bund. Visitors can watch around 600 athletes from 24 countries and regions compete, try the augmented reality sport themselves, and sample around 40 varieties of pancakes and flatbreads at the linked food festival. The three-day event runs from November 20 to 22, 2026.
via Meet in Shanghai
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Shanghai Disney Resort Winter Frostival runs November 19, 2026 to February 20, 2027
Shanghai Disney Resort will hold its Disney Winter Frostival holiday celebration from November 19, 2026 to February 20, 2027. The festival features a new stage show with Olaf and Anna, a winter cavalcade, nightly projection shows at Enchanted Storybook Castle, and seasonal character meet-and-greets in winter outfits from December 1, 2026 to January 3, 2027. New Year's events will take place on December 31, 2026 and January 1, 2027, including the Ignite the New Year castle celebration.
via Meet in Shanghai
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Heilongjiang launches 100-day winter tourism campaign with vouchers and transport deals
Heilongjiang Province launched a 100-day winter tourism campaign promoting winter travel through performances, short dramas, AI-generated content, and experiences including aurora viewing and winter off-road activities. The province will issue 100 million yuan in tourism vouchers, offer discounts on scenic area admission, and provide packages combining high-speed rail tickets with attraction entry. The campaign runs from November 8, 2026, to February 28, 2027, and includes added flights on key routes, expanded services for visitors from Hong Kong, Macao and Southeast Asia, improved multilingual signage, foreign-currency payment services, and streamlined tax refunds for departing visitors.
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BRI cultural exchange exhibition runs in Dunhuang until November 8
The Belt and Road Initiative partners cultural exchange exhibition is being held in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, as part of the 9th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo. The exhibition features specialty goods and cultural products from 17 countries, including Russia, Brazil, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Peru and Cambodia. It runs from November 2 to November 8, 2026.
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French musical 'Le Roi Soleil' makes China debut in Shanghai
The French musical "Le Roi Soleil" (The Sun King) opened at Shanghai Culture Square as the first production in its 2026 Year-End Blockbuster series. This marks the first time the musical has been performed outside the French-speaking world. The show runs from October 30 to November 15, 2026, with performances at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
via Meet in Shanghai
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2026 Cup of China figure skating Grand Prix to open in Shenzhen on November 6
The 2026 Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating will be held at Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre from November 6 to 8. This is the first time the top-tier international event, founded in 2003, has come to Shenzhen. Travellers in the city during these dates can watch world-class figure skating competitions locally.
via Shenzhen Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau
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Broadway musical 'Kinky Boots' returns to Shanghai for 16 shows
The original Broadway musical "Kinky Boots" has returned to Shanghai for the first time in eight years, staging 16 performances at the West Bund Theater. The production brings the 2026 U.S. tour creative team and cast to recreate the Tony Award-winning show, with special "Sparkle Parties" in the lobby during evening shows in the opening week. Performances run from November 3 to November 15, 2026, with evening shows at 7:30 p.m. and additional matinees at 2:00 p.m. on November 7-8 and November 14-15.
via Meet in Shanghai
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Chanel's le19M exhibition runs at Museum of Art Pudong through November 15
Chanel's la Galerie du 19M is presenting a craftsmanship exhibition at the Museum of Art Pudong, showcasing haute couture embroidery, pleating, featherwork, and other specialist ateliers alongside works by contemporary Chinese and French artists. Visitors can explore the intersection of Western and Eastern craft traditions through textiles, ceramics, lacquer, woodcarving, and bamboo weaving. The exhibition runs until November 15, 2026.
via Meet in Shanghai
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Broadway musical 'Chicago' 30th-anniversary edition runs in Shanghai November 5-8
The original 30th-anniversary edition of the Broadway musical "Chicago" will be staged at Shanghai's Majestic Theater. Performances are scheduled for November 5 at 7:30pm, and November 6-8 at 2pm and 7:30pm. The production features Sarah Soetaert, Djalenga Scott, Dan Burton and Jenny Fitzpatrick in a revival faithful to the 1996 version.
via Meet in Shanghai
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Award-winning acrobatics show "Bloom In The Extreme" opens in Shanghai November 7
The Huanggang (Xishui) Acrobatics Troupe from Hubei Province will stage its original contemporary acrobatic show "Bloom In The Extreme" at Shanghai Magnolia Theater. The production combines theater, dance, music and multimedia visuals across five acts tracing a journey from life's beginnings toward spiritual transcendence. Performances begin on November 7, 2026.
via Meet in Shanghai
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Qingpu launches tourism and consumption campaign for 9th CIIE
Qingpu District has unveiled more than 20 cultural, tourism, sports and consumption events under the "Meet in Qingpu" campaign for the 9th China International Import Expo. Free shuttle buses will run from November 5 to 10, 2026, connecting CIIE reception hotels with Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, Panlong Xintiandi and Qingpu Bailian Outlets. The district has designated 74 hotels with 13,784 rooms for CIIE reception, and ten hotels offer multilingual tourist service centers with route recommendations, reservation support and cross-border payment services.
via Meet in Shanghai
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Rockbund food festival rescheduled to October 30 due to Typhoon Champi
A Taste of Rockbund International Food Festival, a water-culture-themed lifestyle event at the Rockbund, has been rescheduled to open on October 30 as Typhoon Champi approaches Shanghai. The free-entry festival runs from October 30 to November 1, featuring a "Global Harbor" market with six flavor-themed water lanes, interactive performances, and a Water-Theater stage show. Workshop spots require pre-booking via the official Rockbund mini-program.
via Meet in Shanghai
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ISU Grand Prix figure skating event to be held in Shenzhen in November
The 2026 Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating will take place at Shenzhen Universiade Center Gymnasium from November 6 to 8. This is the first time Shenzhen has hosted this ISU top-tier A-class event. Around 60 athletes from around the world will compete in men's singles, women's singles, pairs, and ice dance.
via Shenzhen Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau
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First exhibits arrive for ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai
The first batch of exhibits for the ninth China International Import Expo has arrived at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. Twelve exhibits from countries including Austria, the United States and Germany are being set up for the event. The expo is scheduled to take place in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, 2026.
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Shanghai International Jump Rope Elite Competition held in Baoshan, October 24-25
The 2026 Shanghai International Jump Rope Elite Competition is taking place at Baoshan Xinyefang in Gaojing Town, featuring speed, endurance, and freestyle events with nearly 200 athletes from 12 countries and regions. Visitors can watch competitions, explore traditional crafts and sports experiences, enjoy a carnival with stage shows and a float parade, and use event tickets for discounts at shops and tourist attractions. Tickets cost 109 to 199 yuan; the venue is accessible by Metro Line 3 to Yingao Road W. Station, and livestreams are available on the Shanghai Baoshan WeChat account, Douyin, and Migu.
via Meet in Shanghai
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Moulin Rouge! The Musical makes Chinese mainland debut in Guangzhou
The world tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical will open its Chinese mainland run at Guangzhou Opera House, featuring the full scenic production including the giant elephant and turning red windmill. The show will run from November 17 to December 6, 2026, with 24 performances in the Opera Hall and tickets priced from RMB 199 to RMB 1,299. Selected orchestra pit seats will include a drinks service, replicating the nightclub atmosphere offered in London's West End and on Broadway.
via That's Magazines
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Shanghai JZ Festival offers free outdoor jazz concerts at Qiantan through November 1
The 2026 JZ Festival is running in Shanghai's Qiantan area from October 16 to November 1, with all outdoor performances and forums free to attend. Visitors can enjoy 146 performances by more than 100 international musicians across three locations: Qiantan Sports Park until October 23, New Bund Red Lane on October 24-25, and Qiantan Leisure Park from October 27 to November 1. Some indoor concerts require tickets.
via Meet in Shanghai
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Shanghai Grand Opera House opens with gala concert on October 16, 2026
The Shanghai Grand Opera House held its official opening on October 16, 2026, with a gala concert titled "Shanghai Grand Opera House and Her Friends." The 90-minute concert featured renowned Chinese and international artists, including conductors Yu Long, Zhang Guoyong, and Xu Zhong, and performers such as Liao Changyong, Lei Jia, and Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez. The opening also introduced the theater's permanent art exhibition "Sound Blending East and West, Opera Without Boundaries" and the VR immersive production "Opera Wonderland" making its Asian debut.
via Shanghai Culture and Tourism Bureau
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WTCC World Tennis Continental Cup returns to Shenzhen's Bao'an Sports Center
The WTCC World Tennis Continental Cup will hold its second edition at Bao'an Sports Center in Shenzhen from December 23 to 27, 2026. The tournament will feature an Asia-versus-World team format with players including China's Wang Xinyu, Zhang Zhizhen, and Bu Yunchaokete, plus international stars Andrey Rublev, Karolína Muchová, and Alexander Bublik. An expanded outdoor carnival with live music, food, and activities will be free with advance reservations from December 23 to 25, while match tickets and combined packages will be required for December 26 and 27; prices and booking details have not yet been announced.
via That's Magazines
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140th Canton Fair opens in Guangzhou with smart and green manufacturing focus
The 140th China Import and Export Fair opened in Guangzhou on October 15, 2026, covering 1.55 million square meters and running in three phases through November 4. The fair highlights innovation, green technology, and smart manufacturing, with 64% of exhibitors adopting industrial internet and artificial intelligence technologies. The first phase runs from October 15 to 19 and focuses on advanced manufacturing, featuring 19 exhibition areas including electronics, industrial automation, service robots, and drones.
- Festivals & Events
Beijing to host 2027 BWF Sudirman Cup badminton finals April 21-May 2
Beijing will host the BWF Sudirman Cup Finals from April 21 to May 2, 2027. The 2027 tournament will be the first BWF world championship held in Beijing since the 2005 Sudirman Cup. Starting in 2027, major BWF championships will adopt a 12-day format, with team events expanding to 24 member associations.
- Festivals & Events
Beijing Marathon on October 18 brings road closures and traffic restrictions
The 2026 Beijing Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 18, with 32,000 runners starting from Tiananmen Square at 7:30am and finishing at Olympic Park. Temporary traffic restrictions will begin at 10pm on Saturday, October 17 around Tiananmen Square and expand across central and northern Beijing in stages from 7am on Sunday, affecting roads including Chang'an Avenue, the West Third Ring Road, and areas around Olympic Park. Roads will reopen progressively as the race advances, and travelers should expect delays when driving or taking taxis near the course.
via That's Magazines
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Belgian Dance Production "EXIT ABOVE – AFTER THE TEMPEST" Debuts in Shanghai
Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker and her dance company Rosas bring "EXIT ABOVE – AFTER THE TEMPEST" to the Shanghai International Dance Center for its Asian premiere. The 90-minute contemporary dance performance transforms walking into complex choreography, drawing on blues music and featuring 13 performers. Performances take place on October 17 at 7:30pm and October 18 at 2pm, 2026, at 1650 Hongqiao Road, Changning District.
via Meet in Shanghai
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2026 China Robot Competition and Global Embodied AI Challenge open in Hangzhou Oct 16-18
The 2026 China Robot Competition and the 1st Global Challenge for Innovation in Embodied AI Applications will be held concurrently in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The combined event features 22 tracks, 60 contest categories, and 17 new embodied AI events covering applications such as flexible sorting, air-ground collaboration, badminton matches, and dexterous manipulation. The events run from October 16 to 18, 2026.
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16th Airshow China set for Zhuhai with record exhibition scale December 7-13
The 16th Airshow China will take place from December 7 to 13, 2026, in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, with a record exhibition scale, expanded international cooperation, and more aerial demonstrations. New equipment from multiple branches of the People's Liberation Army, including the Air Force and Navy, will be displayed. Travellers interested in aviation and aerospace can plan to attend during this seven-day window.
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First exhibits clear customs for ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai
The first batch of exhibits for the ninth China International Import Expo cleared customs in Shanghai on October 12, 2026. The featured machine tool from Austria's WFL Millturn Technologies will make its first appearance in Asia at the expo. The event runs from November 5 to November 10, 2026, with more than 1,200 companies from 99 countries and regions participating.
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Premier Li Qiang to open 140th Canton Fair in Guangzhou
Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the opening ceremony of the 140th China Import and Export Fair and deliver a keynote speech. The 140th Canton Fair will run from October 15 to November 4, 2026 in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province.
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FISE World Series returns to Shanghai West Bund with free admission October 15-18
The FISE World Series extreme sports festival returns to Shanghai's West Bund from October 15 to 18, 2026, with free admission. The program features 18 contests across BMX, skateboarding, street dance, freestyle scootering, and inline skating, including BMX Freestyle Park and BMX Flatland World Cup competitions. Visitors can also participate in interactive sports activities, climbing, parkour, and evening music parties along the Xuhui waterfront.
via Meet in Shanghai
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37th World Canals Conference to be held in Guilin from Oct. 12-15
The 37th World Canals Conference will take place in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from October 12 to 15, 2026. The event will include opening and closing ceremonies, plenary sessions, four parallel expert seminars, study tours of the Pinglu Canal, Lingqu Canal and Lijiang River, and themed exhibitions. The conference is jointly organized by the Guilin Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, the Guilin municipal government, the Guangxi Department of Transport, and Inland Waterways International.
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