Two passers-by participate in the "Live Life Large" event at Xintiandi that aims to rekindle a joie de vivre (joy of life) among local citizens. [Shanghai Daily]

Daily life is full of special moments and interactive events, and installations at Xintiandi remind visitors to slow down and savor the "ordinary" moments that are also extraordinary.

Through June 28, the events and displays titled "Live Life Large" aim to rekindle a joie de vivre (joy of life) among citizens.

Photos exhibited throughout the shopping area portray the small moments - laughter shared by friends, looks exchanged by lovers, the bonds of family life.

"Did you send her/him a message to say I love you?" "Did you give your mother a hug lately?" Questions like these are asked in both Chinese and English on signs throughout the area. Visitors are invited to press "yes" or "no" buttons in answer - and receive a surprising and sweet response.

The program also encourages visitors to be courageous.

Urban life can enrich people materially, but spiritual gains do not always follow. Sometimes something is lacking, like imagination, bravery, purity and balance.

In love, a bit more courage might bring someone closer to the person they fancy. In work, a bit bolder might take someone to the higher level. In friendship, more openness might create a lifetime of friendship.

In the North Block Square, people are invited to overcome their fear of the unknown by dipping their hands in a barrel of paint.

In a society that often values superficial beauty, many ordinary-looking people, especially women, feel low self-esteem, but these interactive displays aim to define beauty in a different way.

At the South Block Piazza, visitors can look at their reflection in a trick-mirror "fashion magazine," and find that their body is smaller while their head has been enlarged.

This is supposed to remind people that it is what's in their heads that counts, let them see another side of themselves and consider beauty in a different way.

There's more to living life large. Postcards expressing thoughtful sentiments are available. During the event, shoppers get a prepaid postcard with any purchase at Xintiandi or Corporate Avenue shops. They can address it on the spot, with a message to someone they care about and drop it in a collection box.

The recipient, if in Shanghai, can receive a gift when presenting the postcard to the Customer Service Center on Corporate Avenue.

"A series of events will follow throughout the year to inspire our guests to live their life to the fullest," says Jeannie Cheung, deputy general manager of marketing of Shanghai Xintiandi.

For more information and chances to participate in a personality quiz, please visit www.xintiandi.com or www.metroer.com.

Date: through June 28

Venue: South Block and North Block of Xintiandi, 181 Taicang Rd (close to Huangpi Rd S.)

Tel: 021-6386-1818

(Shanghai Daily June 4, 2009)