At the significant and special moment of the 55th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic relations, a cultural extravaganza gathering fashion trends, diverse cultures and youthful vitality - the "China-Italy Fashion Culture Carnival" - is about to grandly open in Shanghai.

Carefully planned and organized by the Italian Innovation Center, located at Room 3001, 30th Floor, No. 1088 Yangshupu Road, Yangpu Binjiang, the carnival will take place from May 16 to 18 at the Minghua Sugar Warehouse and along the Binjiang coast in Yangpu. With the theme "Time-Space Folding - Creative Riverfront Dialogues with the Eternal City", it will lead participants on a wonderful journey across time and space, offering an in-depth experience of the unique charm of Italian customs blending with the industrial aesthetics of Yangpu Binjiang.

Since its official establishment on January 13, 2025, the Italian Innovation Center has shouldered the important mission of promoting in-depth exchanges and cooperation between China and Italy in many fields such as economy and trade, culture, and education. As a key link for Sino-Italian friendly exchanges, the Innovation Center has co-hosted the Carnival event with the Association of Second-Generation Chinese, giving full play to its platform role in promoting cultural exchanges. It is committed to promoting the in-depth docking of the Sino-Italian cultural industry chain through the cross-border integration model of "technology + fashion + culture", and creating a high-quality international cultural scene of "touchable, experienceable and consumable" for the general public, helping Shanghai to stride towards the goal of a world cultural city.

During the event, a series of wonderful and highlight-packed programs will be unveiled one by one. Two limited-time special exhibitions will bring immersive Sino-Italian cultural experiences to the audience. Strolling through them, visitors will feel as if they are 置身于 (immersed in) the magnificent cultural long river of China and Italy, personally experiencing the charming sparks ignited by the intersection of history and modernity.

At 20:00-20:15 on May 17, the night sky of Yangpu will be illuminated by hundreds of drones, which will use the night sky as a canvas to draw a colorful "starry sky scroll". This visual feast perfectly integrating technology and art will undoubtedly write a romantic and magnificent chapter for the glorious 55th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic relations.

The Crucial Role of the Association of Second-Generation Chinese

In the preparation and operation of the carnival, the Association of Second-Generation Chinese has played a vital role. The new-generation overseas Chinese members from France, Spain, Italy, the UK and other countries in the association, relying on the unique advantages of their bicultural backgrounds, have actively engaged in the event. Together with the young Chinese brand owners, they have become the core force promoting cultural exchanges at the carnival.

Additionally, Luca Stradivari, the ninth-generation descendant of the Stradivari family—a renowned Italian artistic family—will attend the event in person. He will not only showcase the century-old exquisite violin-making craftsmanship to the audience but also deliver a wonderful performance, allowing everyone to experience the profound heritage of Italian art up close. Meanwhile, more than 200 sets of Italian haute couture have successfully arrived at Shanghai Customs for clearance, ready to shine on the carnival stage and complement Chinese cultural elements.

These young brand owners and artistic descendants are actively undertaking the 重任 (mission) of cultural exchange in their unique ways, making the splendid flowers of Sino-Italian cultural integration bloom freely along the Pujiang River.

      And Yangpu, the venue of the event, also contains unique "Young" elements. Yangpu Binjiang has successfully transformed from an old industrial area into a vibrant new landmark of fashion and culture, a process that fully demonstrates the vigorous atmosphere of youth and innovation. Here, industrial relics and modern fashion buildings complement each other, just like the dazzling sparks generated by the exchange of cultures between China and Italy. The "Young" of Yangpu is not only reflected in the vibrant urban landscape, but also in the positive attitude of the younger generation towards cultural inheritance and innovation. The landing of this carnival in Yangpu will undoubtedly further stimulate the cultural vitality contained in this land and attract more young people to actively participate in the tide of Sino-Italian cultural exchange.

During the three-day event, Italian overseas Chinese merchants acted as bridges, actively facilitating the docking of more than 30 Italian brands with local enterprises. This was concretely manifested in over a dozen marketplaces and rectangular stages at the venue. Reporters observed that in addition to the uniquely Italian artistic song and dance performances, the marketplaces also featured experience zones for traditional Italian cuisine and beverages such as coffee, ham, and hot dogs, allowing citizens to appreciate the charm of exotic food while enjoying the art.

Relevant persons in charge of the Yangpu District Overseas Chinese Affairs Office stated that the gathering of Chinese and European youth at the Sino-Italian Fashion Culture Carnival is not only an in-depth discussion on cultural communication paths but also a display of the achievements of Chinese and European youth participating in cultural exchange practices. They have injected youthful vitality into the spread of Chinese culture to the world, and also enabled the world to appreciate the broad and profound essence and unique charm of Chinese culture through the perspective of youth.

With the successful conclusion of the "Sino-Italian Fashion Culture Carnival" at Yangpu Binjiang, this three-day cultural feast has not only brought a dual enjoyment of vision and taste to citizens but also left a significant mark on Sino-Italian cultural exchanges. From artistic performances to food experiences, cultural seminars to book signings... every link reflects the integration and collision of Chinese and Italian cultures.

In the future, Yangpu will continue to serve as an important window for cultural exchanges between the East and the West, witnessing more cultural cooperation, allowing the "seeds" of civilized mutual learning to take root and thrive here.