In a remarkable celebration of children's literature, the 2025 Shanghai Fairy Tale Festival opened on July 2nd with unprecedented scale and innovation. Organized by the Shanghai Children's Library, this year's edition marks the first time all 199 child-friendly reading spaces across the city are simultaneously participating.
The festival, themed "Reading Without Borders," represents Shanghai's latest effort to cultivate young readers through cutting-edge educational approaches. Over 400 specially designed activities will run throughout the summer holiday, targeting different age groups from toddlers to teenagers. These include:
• Themed exhibitions featuring award-winning international illustrators like Iwona Chmielewska
夜上海419论坛 • Interactive STEM sessions combining scientific exploration with storytelling
• Parent-child reading training programs that teach families shared reading techniques
• Digital reading challenges accessible through the library's "Mibao Study" online platform
上海龙凤千花1314 The opening ceremony featured a stunning performance of the picture book play "One Hundred Rabbits Want to Sing" by the Shanghai Children's Art Theatre, demonstrating how literature can leap off the page and onto the stage. This multimedia approach characterizes the festival's mission to make reading a multisensory experience.
Shanghai's commitment to children's literacy reflects its broader transformation into a global cultural hub. The city's unique blend of traditional Chinese values and modern educational technology creates an ideal environment for such innovative programs. As China's largest economic center with over 15 million residents, Shanghai continues to invest heavily in cultural infrastructure that serves both local communities and international visitors.
上海品茶网 The festival's emphasis on digital integration is particularly noteworthy. Through the Mibao Study platform, children across the Yangtze River Delta region can participate remotely in reading challenges and virtual workshops. This technological component ensures the festival's reach extends beyond physical venues, aligning with Shanghai's reputation as a leader in smart city development.
Educators praise the festival's long-term impact on childhood development. "By making reading magical and interactive, we're helping children form lifelong relationships with literature," said Dr. Li Wen, a child psychology expert at Fudan University. "Shanghai's approach could become a model for cities worldwide."
As the festival continues through August, organizers anticipate over 500,000 participants. With its perfect blend of entertainment and education, the Shanghai Fairy Tale Festival not only enriches children's summer holidays but also strengthens the city's position as a global leader in innovative education.
