Hong Kong pop singers Eason Chan and Sandy Lam will sing, dance and play their way into 2009 at Xintiandi's traditional Countdown Party on New Year's Eve.

The party is held at Taipingqiao artificial lake and the ingenious stage features giant laser projections of water, brilliant lights and a spectacular magnolia-shaped countdown device.

The stage on the lake is just meters way from the audience and Chan and Lam can interact with the celebrants.

This is the second year Xintiandi cooperates with the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination. New theme songs for Expo Shanghai will be performed.

Through Sunday, anyone who spends a combined total of 500 yuan (US$73) with two or more Xintiandi or Corporate Avenue tenants - and pays 50 yuan in cash - will get a ticket to the Countdown Party.

All donations are to benefit the Shanghai Youth Development Foundation for children in need.

Xintiandi's South Block Plaza will feature free outdoor programs this weekend.

A highlight is a family mini-musical staged at 7:30-8pm and 9-9:30pm through Sunday (December 28).

The show involves five family members: mother, father and three playful children who sing, dance and delight audiences young and old.

(Shanghai Daily December 26, 2008)