The city has undergone tremendous changes, and now vibrant plants can be seen everywhere, making people feel relaxed. "Russian Kirill Ratnikov revisited China after many years and participated in the 36th Shanghai Tourism Festival parade performance. He also has a new task for this trip: to deeply experience elements such as "food, accommodation, transportation, travel, shopping, and entertainment", and share the experience with his hometown relatives and friends. In addition to the beautiful urban environment and rich cultural tourism activities, Kirill Ratnikov also speaks highly of Shanghai's cuisine. From September 15, 2025 to September 14, 2026, China will implement a visa free policy for Russian passport holders, which is believed to attract more Russian tourists to travel to China. On September 13th, the Russian Lapsky Carnival Art Troupe performed at the Shanghai Tourism Festival float parade. The 36th Shanghai Tourism Festival will usher in the "Classic Activity Season" in September, photographed by Xinhua News Agency reporter Fang Zhe. As one of the classic programs, the grand parade event attracted 24 performance teams from 15 countries and regions. These overseas performers are also inbound tourists who explore the city scenery and engage in cultural exchanges with warm and friendly Chinese people while performing. In this context, the Shanghai Tourism Festival Organizing Committee has appointed the leaders of these overseas performance teams as "entry observers", welcoming overseas performers to deeply experience the development and changes in inbound cultural and tourism products, travel convenience, and other aspects, and to showcase their observations on overseas social media platforms to promote "China Travel" together. On September 14th, "entry observers" tasted various Shanghai snacks. Chen Aiping, a reporter from Xinhua News Agency, has taken this innovative project since its launch in 2024, which has been enthusiastically participated by overseas performers. Pictures, articles and videos featuring their "clocking in" Nanjing Road Walkway, participating in the rehearsal of the grand parade performance, visiting the market and restaurants, etc., have generated warm responses in overseas social media. The real experience of overseas tourists is also an important display of Shanghai's cultural tourism and even 'China Travel'. ”According to the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Shanghai is exploring the integration of "first stop experience" for inbound tourists and "immersive communication" to enhance the interaction and participation of domestic and foreign tourists traveling in Shanghai. On September 14th, inbound tourists showed great interest in a snack and started a discussion. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Chen Aiping. At the same time, Shanghai focuses on "improving the friendly environment for inbound tourists" as the core, and continues to consolidate the foundation of inbound tourism development by expanding tourism consulting services, upgrading tourism signs, and improving toilet quality. When German girl Fritz Felicitas Glalt came to participate in the Shanghai Tourism Festival, she had already visited Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, the East Hall of Shanghai Museum and other places, and also learned Mandarin "Hello" from the local reception staff. She said, "I will recommend to my friends China's vast and profound history and culture, clean and beautiful urban landscape, and warm and friendly people. These are all things that must be experienced and loved when coming to China!" Data shows that from January to July this year, Shanghai received about 4.839 million inbound tourists, a year-on-year increase of 37%; Among them, there were 3.612 million foreigners, a year-on-year increase of 51.5%. The Shanghai tourism department predicts that the number of inbound tourists received in Shanghai is expected to exceed 8 million this year. (New Society)