Italian opera, fashion shows, art exhibitions, a sprawling riverside bazaar and more, the 2025 Sino-Italian Fashion and Culture Festival transformed an area of the Yangpu Riverside into a dazzling celebration of cross-cultural creativity. 

Luca Stradivari, ninth-generation heir of the world-renowned Stradivari family, performed on a centuries-old violin. They say fashion is life to Italians, and this carnival proved it. Over 200 Italian high-fashion designs were exhibited alongside Chinese brands, creating a contrast in styles. 

The three-day event brought together VR archaeology exhibits, renaissance digital art displays, Italian rugby, and drones, which lit up the Huangpu River skyline. Chinese-Italian author Tang Junyu was on hand to share latest novels. The sub-venue alongside the Huangpu River hosted booths that showcased Venetian carnival culture, more than 30 premium Italian food brands, and Sino-Italian design products. 

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-Italy diplomatic relations. In January 2025, the Italian Innovation Center was founded in Yangpu District, another indication of strong bilateral ties. 

ShanghaiEye Reporter: Gong Yanhua