On October 3, 2026, a Shanghai-themed cultural exchange event took place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., bringing a taste of Shanghai to the United States. Titled "Future Resonance — ShanghaiEye Night," the event was part of the "Shanghai Let's Meet" city promotion initiative and a broader series of China-U.S. people-to-people exchanges. Through cultural activities and interactions, the event aimed to build bridges across the Pacific and present Shanghai as an open, inclusive and dynamic international metropolis. As reported by Media OutReach Newswire, the event was held by Shanghai Media Group and drew nearly 100 prominent figures from both countries across political, business, technology, cultural and arts sectors. Song Jiongming, President of Shanghai Media Group, and Susan Lee, Secretary of State of Maryland, attended and delivered remarks. Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng was also present.
In the afternoon, the National Mall was transformed into a "mini Shanghai" carnival featuring 50 stalls with international cuisine, a "Shanghai Charm" themed exhibition area, and displays of China's intangible cultural heritage. Visitors explored Shanghai's technological innovation through a model of the C919 passenger jet and its latest trends via a model of the Oriental Pearl Tower and popular Chinese cultural and creative IPs. VR headsets provided by the Shanghai Museum offered a virtual journey through Shanghai's past and present. Time-honored brands such as White Rabbit candy, Hero fountain pens and Lao Feng Xiang Jewelry gave visitors a taste of Shanghai's iconic homegrown products. An IP SHANGHAI lenticular art exhibition brought the city to life through dynamic images that changed as visitors moved around the displays. The immersive experience positioned Shanghai as a first stop for international visitors entering China and offered Americans and international visitors a chance to experience the city firsthand at one of Washington's most iconic landmarks. Many visitors expressed a desire to visit Shanghai in person and explore it through a "city walk."
As the sun set, the "Future Resonance" outdoor concert began against the backdrop of the Capitol dome and a stage featuring the two cities. Young performers from China and the United States took the stage alongside renowned artists from both countries. The One Voice Children's Choir from the United States and the Manhattan Philharmonic joined forces to perform "We Are Together," a song created in Shanghai to celebrate friendship between the two nations. The program included a mix of symphonic works, traditional Chinese music, Chinese opera and anime music. Footage from Shanghai's city image film "UP! SHANGHAI" played on the large screen throughout the concert.
Later that evening, nearly 100 guests from China and the United States, including prominent figures from politics, business, technology, culture and the arts, participated in the ShanghaiEye Night dialogue session. Themed "Invest in China for a Win-Win Future," the dialogue highlighted the China International Import Expo and Shanghai's development as an international economic, financial, trade, shipping and technological innovation center. It also showcased the city's world-class business environment and provided a platform for high-level dialogue and practical cooperation between Chinese and U.S. companies. The dialogue featured a "Shanghai Charm" city image reception area with twenty historical photographs capturing key "Shanghai moments" in China-U.S. relations, including the signing of the Shanghai Communiqué, the launch of the first China-U.S. air route, the opening of Apple's first store in China, the Tesla Gigafactory and the 10th anniversary of Shanghai Disney Resort. Another 20 photographs from the IP SHANGHAI platform, under the theme "Chasing Dreams in Shanghai," showcased Lujiazui Financial City, Yangshan Deep-Water Port, Shanghai Grand Opera House, the North Bund shipping hub, and the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek.
With the support of the Information Office of the Shanghai Municipal Government and co-hosted by Shanghai Media Group, the World Intangible Cultural Heritage Conservation Center and the Washington Chinese Community Alliance, the event brought together guests from a range of sectors. It brought Shanghai closer to American audiences and the international community through city promotion, cultural performances, interactive experiences and high-level dialogue, providing a platform for people-to-people and cultural exchange between China and the United States.
