Tuesday, June 3, 2025
On May 21, 2025, Osaka played host to the energetic debut of the “Shanghai Select – Made in Shanghai Showcase,” signaling the commencement of the city’s chapter in the worldwide “Shanghai Summer” promotional initiative. The event took place at Grand Green Osaka, located in the bustling Umeda area, bringing together business leaders, designers, and media professionals from Shanghai and Osaka to celebrate growing ties between these two major Asian cities.
Representatives from the Chinese Consulate-General in Osaka opened the ceremony by highlighting the longstanding partnership between Shanghai and Osaka. Both cities are recognized as significant centers of commerce and manufacturing in their respective countries. The event emphasized the intention to strengthen collaboration and deepen friendship, fostering greater economic cooperation and cultural exchange to the benefit of residents and visitors alike.
Nearly one hundred delegates attended, representing a diverse group of brands, creative industries, and media outlets. Their participation underscored the event’s role as a key initiative supporting Shanghai’s goal to become an international consumption hub. The “Shanghai Summer” campaign, themed “Come, Play, and Shop in Shanghai,” is designed to entice global travelers with a broad spectrum of cultural, shopping, and entertainment experiences that highlight Shanghai’s unique urban vibrancy and rich heritage.
Data from China UnionPay revealed a striking growth in overseas consumer spending linked to the campaign, with international card usage increasing by 68.2% compared to the previous year. Offline retail transactions soared to RMB 815.9 billion during the promotional period, demonstrating Shanghai’s expanding influence as a premier shopping and lifestyle destination on the world stage.
A leading figure from Shanghai Design Week presented an overview of the campaign’s ambitious agenda, which includes over 100 diverse events across the city. These range from immersive art displays and music concerts to specialty food markets and interactive cultural activities — all designed to provide visitors with engaging, memorable experiences throughout the summer.
A standout feature of this year’s offering is the “240-Hour City Experience,” a multi-day curated itinerary allowing tourists to fully immerse themselves in Shanghai’s cultural landmarks, entertainment venues, and iconic neighborhoods. This thoughtfully designed package offers convenience and depth for travelers seeking an all-encompassing visit.
Adding to visitor convenience is the introduction of the Shanghai Pass, a newly launched co-branded travel card developed by Jiushi Group for foreign tourists. Inspired by the popular Suica card in Japan, the Shanghai Pass provides seamless access to public transportation options, including buses, subways, and trams, eliminating the need for separate tickets. It also grants entry to more than 40 key attractions and provides benefits at over 2,000 partner retail and dining establishments, making it an essential companion for those exploring Shanghai.
The Shanghai Pass embodies the city’s vision of leveraging technology to create an accessible and user-friendly travel experience, catering specifically to the needs of international visitors. Its launch signals Shanghai’s commitment to innovation and enhancing visitor satisfaction.
The campaign also benefits from strategic partnerships with major companies such as China Eastern Airlines, UnionPay International, and Visa. These collaborations help streamline flight bookings, provide secure payment options, and support widespread access to tourist services — forming a comprehensive ecosystem designed to make travel to and within Shanghai effortless.
Local participants in Osaka expressed strong interest in the campaign’s offerings, praising its holistic approach that addresses every aspect of the travel journey, from transportation and payments to entertainment and shopping opportunities. The initiative’s user-centric design promises to improve visitor experiences and encourage more tourists to explore Shanghai.
The fresh, practical nature of the campaign also appeals to digital content creators and social media influencers, who play an increasingly important role in travel decision-making. By providing innovative products and co-branded promotions, the initiative fosters new opportunities for storytelling and marketing collaborations, while simplifying trip planning for global audiences.
The successful launch of “Shanghai Select” and “Shanghai Summer” in Osaka marks a significant milestone in the strengthening relationship between these two dynamic cities. It spotlights Shanghai’s vibrant consumer environment and reinforces mutual dedication to innovation, tourism promotion, and deepening cross-cultural ties.
Shanghai’s drive to become a leading international center for consumption, culture, and lifestyle is supported by such initiatives that shape positive visitor perceptions and deliver unforgettable experiences. By combining creative events, cutting-edge technology, and strategic partnerships, Shanghai builds a solid foundation for continued growth and enhanced global reputation.
With a rich program of activities and easy-to-use tools like the Shanghai Pass, the campaign invites travelers worldwide to discover Shanghai’s lively streets, rich cultural fabric, and premium shopping experiences. Meanwhile, the enthusiastic response in Osaka highlights the potential of cross-border cooperation to build lasting friendships and foster economic opportunities.
As the campaign unfolds over the coming months, Shanghai and Osaka stand to benefit from increased tourism, expanded cultural exchanges, and stronger economic links. Their collaboration exemplifies how cities can unite to promote shared prosperity and cultural understanding on an international scale.
