Starting July 28, Shanghai Pudong International Airport introduced a series of cultural performances aimed at enhancing the travel experience during the summer peak season.

These performances are part of the airport's "China Young" cultural initiative, designed to promote Chinese culture to travelers.

The opening day featured four performances across Pudong's terminals and satellite hall, including Sichuan Opera's face-changing artistry, and dances inspired by Jiangnan aesthetics and Dunhuang imagery. Other performances included classical music pieces performed by string quartets and traditional Chinese instruments.

The airport will host weekly cultural events at seven locations in its terminals and satellite hall until the Qixi Festival, or Chinese Valentine's Day, on Aug 29. The upcoming performances will blend Chinese and Western art forms, including traditional dramas, vocal performances, instrumental music, puppet shows, and magic acts.

Shanghai's two major airports, Pudong and Hongqiao, have seen a 7 percent increase in daily passenger volume since the start of the summer travel season, handling an average of 381,000 passengers daily. Pudong airport handles 243,000, while Hongqiao airport manages 138,000.

In an effort to create a culturally rich travel environment, Shanghai Airport Authority launched its second brand day event on June 29, coinciding with its 104th anniversary.

Hongqiao airport is also hosting a variety of summer programs, including interactive piano installations and performances by children's choirs and circus performers. An art exhibition featuring student artwork inspired by the 24 solar terms is also on display at Terminal 1.

A Sichuan Opera performer demonstrates the art of face-changing for travelers in the departure area of Pudong airport. [Photo by Shan Jian/Shanghai Airport Authority]

Source: english.shanghai.gov.cn, Shanghai Observer