The 6th Banma Suhe Cultural Tourism Festival, organized by the Putuo District Government, will soon open at the Shanghai History Museum. 

Running through October, the three-month event features hundreds of integrated cultural, commercial, sports, and tourism activities along Suzhou Creek.

One of the highlights of the festival is the exhibition “From the Yuan-Dynasty Water Gates to Waibaidu Bridge: The History and Culture of Suzhou Creek,” which debuted on July 11. Regarded as one of Shanghai's most anticipated river-themed exhibitions this year, it draws on the city's “one river, one creek” strategic framework and incorporates the latest research from history, sociology, and ecology. Through artifacts, documents, multimedia, and digital interactions, the exhibition traces the creek's evolution from ancient water conservancy works to a cradle of modern industry and now a revitalized riverside destination.

Also in July, the Suzhou Creek Image Exhibition Space at Changfeng Bay No. 1 Building will open. The venue showcases precious moving images spanning a century, from industrial chimneys and boat traffic to environmental remediation and the waterfront's revival, establishing Shanghai's first landmark image culture space centered on the city's mother river.

Elsewhere, an art exhibition by renowned Shanghai-style painter Wang Jiafang will be on display at the Banma Suhe Art Space, capturing the creek's century-long transformations through ink wash painting. The 11th Shanghai Citizens Art Festival runs concurrently at the Putuo District Cultural Center and Global Harbor, featuring works by amateur artists and photographers that depict the city's vibrant character and the new face of Suzhou Creek.

For a more immersive experience, visitors can board the cruises on Suzhou Creek. This summer, the Banma Suhe sightseeing boats offer four special options: pet-friendly cruises, starlight dinners, live music performances, and tea-themed cultural journeys.

In September, the Suzhou Creek Industrial Civilization Museum will launch a “Night at Suzhou Creek” series featuring small concerts and hands-on craft activities to bring the creek's historical legacy to life.

From July to August, the 2026 “Banma Suhe” Waterfront Lifestyle Season will take place at the Danba Art Wharf. In late September, the Putuo venue of the third Shanghai International Light Festival will light up TOP Central Park. During the National Day holiday, a music carnival returns to the same park with outdoor band performances, light shows, RV camping, and specialty markets.