Come one, come all: Carnival back in Shanghai

For those who were not here to remember the summer of 2003, carnivals in China are a pretty big deal. In fact, there is said to be a carnival craze. Two years ago, the World Carnival, organized by the Hong Kong World Carnival Company, lasted 78 days, saw more than 2 million visitors (roughly the population of Paris) and earned 240 million yuan. The ticket prices were 50 yuan per person at the time. Shanghaiist figured out that this averages to 120 yuan being spent per person, or, 70 yuan in addition to the ticket cost. We think that’s a bit steep for China, but hey, the carnival is going to be bigger and better this year.

Starting on September 28 and lasting until November 20, the International Carnival -- sponsored this time by Freij Entertainment and two other local firms -- will be held in Lujiazui (Pudong). The carnival will cover 75,000 square meters, which is more than twice as large as it was in 2003 -- and also happens to be the same size as the glacier cover in the USA. Perhaps the goal is to make the carnival less crowded and “cooler”. The autumn months should make the atmosphere a bit nicer.

The amounts and types of carnival games will be expanded, including traditional games (skeeball anyone?) and 43 large amusement machines, of which 60 percent are appearing on the mainland for the first time. Activities and performances are also planned.

The carnival was originally supposed to begin September 16, but it was delayed. Organizers say there was trouble transporting the rides to Shanghai, but we're pretty sure they just didn't want to compete with the Shanghaiist launch party at the British Bulldog Pub.

For more information on the carnival, call 800-820-7910.

Photos from Shanghai Guide.