On October 1, 2025, Shanghai’s Bund and Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street pulsed with energy as tourists flooded these iconic landmarks to kick off China’s National Day celebrations. Eyewitness accounts from the scene captured the electric atmosphere, with authorities implementing crowd management tactics like one-way pathways and police-formed barriers to maintain smooth flow. This surge aligns with the recent rollout of mutual visa-free policies between China and Russia, inviting a wave of international visitors eager to explore the city’s blend of historic charm and modern allure.
A Night of Lights and Laughter Amid the Throngs
As dusk fell, the Shanghai Bund transformed into a sea of admirers, their gazes fixed on the glittering Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. Nearby, Nanjing East Road buzzed with shoppers and strollers, its neon signs reflecting off excited faces. These spots, perennial favorites during Golden Week, saw heightened footfall thanks to eased travel barriers—particularly the one-year trial visa-free entry for Russian passport holders, effective since mid-September. Families, couples, and solo adventurers from afar mingled seamlessly, underscoring Shanghai’s role as a global gateway.
Stories from the Crowd: Voices of Delight
Among the revelers was Daria from Russia’s Barnaul city, savoring her second visit to China alongside her boyfriend on their first trip. A decade after studying at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Daria has crafted a 10-day itinerary spanning Beijing and Hangzhou before heading home via the capital. “I love China—the food especially,” she shared with reporters, though her partner confessed a preference for hearty Lanzhou lamian noodles over local flavors.
Echoing the sentiment was Igor, an expat working in Shanghai with Russian roots through his grandparents. Set to return home in a week, he marveled at the city’s beauty: “People are so friendly, and the streets feel incredibly safe.” His experience highlights how such policies not only boost tourism but foster personal connections.
Joona, hailing from an unspecified European nation, plans to linger in Shanghai through October. He appreciated the contrasts to his homeland—the throngs of pedestrians notwithstanding. “It feels very safe here,” he noted, praising the ease of WeChat Pay and mapping apps for seamless navigation.
Adding a burst of enthusiasm was Yeliz from Turkey, who proclaimed “I love China!” in Mandarin while strolling Nanjing East Road. Fresh from Beijing and a visit to Qufu’s Confucius birthplace—where she attended the September 28 commemoration of the philosopher’s 2,576th birthday—she radiated joy at the cultural immersion.
A Timely Tourism Revival
This year’s National Day marks the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic, amplifying the festive spirit. With visa-free access spurring arrivals from Russia and beyond, Shanghai’s landmarks like the Bund and Nanjing Road exemplify the city’s post-pandemic rebound. Yet, as crowds swell, visitors are reminded to embrace the chaos—it’s part of the magic that makes these sites unforgettable.
References
- Global Times: Tourists Flock to Shanghai Landmarks on Oct 1, 2025 [From X post context]
- China Daily: China’s Visa-Free Policy for Russian Tourists Takes Effect
- Reuters: China Offers Visa-Free Travel to Russia Citizens on Trial Basis
- X Post by @globaltimesnews: Shanghai National Day Crowds (Post ID: 1973309141545525742)
