On October 3, 2026, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., hosted “Future Resonance — ShanghaiEye Night,” a cultural exchange event that transformed the iconic space into a vibrant celebration of Shanghai. Part of the “Shanghai Let’s Meet” city promotion initiative, the event aimed to build bridges between the United States and China through cultural activities and high-level dialogue, according to a press release distributed by Media OutReach Newswire.
Organized by Shanghai Media Group, the event drew nearly 100 prominent figures from both countries across politics, business, technology, culture, and the arts. Song Jiongming, President of Shanghai Media Group, and Susan Lee, Secretary of State of Maryland, delivered remarks, with Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng also in attendance. Their presence underscored the significance of cultural diplomacy in maintaining robust people-to-people ties amid broader geopolitical dynamics.
The afternoon carnival featured 50 stalls offering international cuisine, a “Shanghai Charm” exhibition, and displays of China’s intangible cultural heritage. Visitors explored Shanghai’s technological innovation through a model of the C919 passenger jet, experienced the city’s skyline via a model of the Oriental Pearl Tower, and took virtual journeys through Shanghai’s history with VR headsets provided by the Shanghai Museum. Time-honored brands such as White Rabbit candy, Hero fountain pens, and Lao Feng Xiang Jewelry gave Americans a taste of Shanghai’s iconic products, while an IP SHANGHAI lenticular art exhibition brought the city to life through dynamic images.
As evening fell, the “Future Resonance” outdoor concert began against the backdrop of the Capitol dome. Young performers from China and the United States joined renowned artists, with the One Voice Children’s Choir and the Manhattan Philharmonic performing “We Are Together,” a song created in Shanghai to celebrate friendship between the two nations. The program included symphonic works, traditional Chinese music, Chinese opera, and anime music, with footage from Shanghai’s city image film “UP! SHANGHAI” playing on a large screen.
Later, nearly 100 guests participated in the ShanghaiEye Night dialogue session themed “Invest in China for a Win-Win Future.” The discussion 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 business environment and provided a platform for high-level dialogue and practical cooperation between Chinese and U.S. companies.
The dialogue area featured a “Shanghai Charm” reception with 20 historical photographs capturing key moments in U.S.-China 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.
Supported by 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 Shanghai closer to American audiences through city promotion, cultural performances, interactive experiences, and dialogue. It served as a platform for people-to-people and cultural exchange, reinforcing the importance of grassroots connections in U.S.-China relations.
