The 2026 Global Taste in Shanghai Asia Flavors Season opened on the evening of July 2 at the Shanghai International Convention Center in Pudong New Area.

Linked with major citywide events, including the Shanghai Summer International Consumer Season and the Shanghai Tourism Festival, the season uses food as a gateway to connect culture, tourism, technology, sports, and entertainment, offering residents and international visitors more ways to experience the city through its culinary scene.

Dining routes and visitor benefits

Meituan has launched seven themed dining routes featuring Black Pearl restaurants; restaurants associated with regional liaison offices in Shanghai; cuisines from Guangdong, Fujian, Hong Kong, and Taiwan; cuisines from Jiangsu and Zhejiang; cuisines from Sichuan, Hunan, Yunnan, and Guizhou; northern Chinese flavors; and selected Japanese and South Korean restaurants.

Users can search for "环球美食汇" (Global Taste in Shanghai) on Meituan or Dianping to explore the recommended routes and special dining packages.

For overseas visitors, China UnionPay is offering an instant 20 percent discount through the Nihao China app, capped at 20 yuan ($2.94) per transaction. Further discounts are available through partnerships with the Agricultural Bank of China and China Construction Bank.

Hongqiao Pinhui has also introduced a special promotion featuring products sourced directly from across Asia. Highlights include red ginseng from South Korea; cashews, black pepper, and jasmine rice from Cambodia; and Vietnamese bird's nest products showcased ahead of the ninth China International Import Expo.

Selected products are available at discounts of up to 50 percent, while eligible international visitors can enjoy the refund-upon-purchase service.

Summer events across the city

July

The Dessert Festival at Life Hub @ Daning runs from July 2 to 5, and July 9 to 12, bringing together more than 50 brands offering traditional Chinese pastries and creative handmade desserts from around the world.

World Cup-themed food events include a FIFA pop-up market at The Place through July 5 and a soccer carnival at Waitanyuan through July 26. Both feature giant outdoor viewing screens and international food stalls.

Other summer nightlife events include a beer festival at New Bund Red Lane from July 18 to 19 and a craft beer festival at Crystal Bridge from July 16 to 19.

Meanwhile, the 2727 Riverside Bar & Restaurant at the Oriental Riverside Hotel, Shanghai International Convention Center, is offering a special Asian buffet featuring regional ingredients and traditional cooking styles from across Asia.

August and September

The celebration will continue into August and September with more food and lifestyle events across the city. Highlights include:

> a potato carnival at Hong Shou Fang;

> the "Taste of Street Food" promotion at Changfeng Joy City, featuring late-night snack deals from popular local vendors;

> the first stop in China of a water world themed on Brunch Brother, a popular South Korean character brand, at Jiuguang Center, running through Aug 31;

> a lobster and beer carnival at Art-M Creative Culture Experience Park; and

> riverside nightlife activities along Beisuzhou Road.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, Shanghai No 1 Yaohan will combine time-honored Chinese brands with global flavors, while Rockbund will present authentic Asian food alongside live music performances, extending the city's summer celebration into autumn.