Dates to watch out for: Mid-Autumn Festival, Special Olympics and the Shanghaiist Halloween Party!
World Car Free Day, September 22
Ever thought of what you're doing to offset your carbon footprint? This Saturday, instead of driving your car or taking a taxi, why don't you try taking public transport, cycling or walking instead? Residents will be asked to avoid driving private cars within the Inner Ring Road, and while compliance is not mandatory, driving will be banned outright in some areas.
Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节), September 25
As the mercury begins to drop, the mooncakes have landed once again! The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month each year. Immerse yourself in one of the most colourful and joyful traditional Chinese festivals as families welcome the harvest moon with a sea of lanterns. We recommend checking out the Yuyuan Gardens!
Special Olympics, October 2-11
It's one major sporting event after another as China test runs for the Olympics next year. The Special Olympics will begin almost as soon as the FIFA Women's World Cup ends. Nearly 7,500 athletes from more than 160 countries, 40,000 volunteers and 3,500 event officials will descend upon Shanghai and athletes will compete in 25 Olympic-type sports in venues all across the city. Catch Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan, Colin Farrell, Yo Yo Ma and Zhang Ziyi live at the opening ceremony on 2 October at the Shanghai Stadium!
17th National Congress of the CCP, October 15
Sorry guys, this one looks like an invitation-only event. And while we haven't been invited ourselves, it appears that the party has already started. Websites have been shut down, journalists have been censored and blog service providers have been required to abide by a new self-discipline pledge. This time round, the party constitution looks set to be amended to incorporate President Hu Jintao's guiding principle of "more equitable economic growth."
Shanghaiist Halloween Party, October 27
Our very own Shanghaiist Halloween Party, returns this year at the spooky Shanghai Studio — the bar in a bomb shelter. Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 pm till the last demon is exorcised! Expect a haunted dungeon atmosphere, great Halloween music, drink specials, scary movies ... and plenty of surprises! Start getting your costumes now! Be there OR DIE! See photos of last year's monster bash here and here. And visit our party page on Facebook!
Picture of bicycle from cargocycling
Picture of mooncake from Gregoire Glachant
Picture of freaky ghoul from the Shanghaiist Halloween 2006 Album
