Art exhibitions, food fairs and fashion shows are on this month's agenda for locals and tourists from all over the world as they come together for the 2007 Shanghai Jing'an International Shopping Carnival.

The carnival kicked off yesterday morning at Jiu Guang Department Store in the district. Athletes from the 2007 Special Olympics cooperated with overseas visitors to swipe a giant card marking the opening.

With the theme "Luxury Life, Brilliant Jing'an," the carnival includes activities with five themes - fashion, gifts, food, entertainment and exhibitions - which will run until October 15.

The 22nd National Photographic Art Exhibition Premiere Show opened at Citic Square on Nanjing Road W. Held by the China Photographers' Association, the national show is the largest of its kind and has attracted nearly 100,000 pieces of work from 9,500 photographers throughout China and overseas.

A total of 887 prints will be shown during the exhibition.

Meanwhile, the American Food Fair kicked off yesterday in Citic Square. About 90 percent of the food was imported from America and visitors can have free tastings during the fair, which runs until September 28.

Celebrations associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival on September 25 will also be a highlight of the shopping carnival.

A special promotion, including Chinese traditional paper-cutting and a mooncake fair with more than 10 top brands, has set up booths at Westgate Mall. The promotion runs until September 25.

From September 30 to October 6, there will be displays and fashion shows in Citic Square.

During the carnival, the Shanghai Time-Honored Brands Expo will be held, offering discounts. Visitors can learn how to make tasty snacks such as Wangjiasha's sweet desserts as well.

(Shanghai Daily September 17, 2007)