Shanghai Daily News

Once a year, there is one tree that glows in the night; once a year, there is one personage who makes a special visit; once a year in Shanghai, there is one crowd that really knows how to celebrate the festive season, and this year the city's "trendy zone" of Xintiandi again has much to offer.

Come and join the crowd and be enthralled by troupes of seasoned street entertainers from all over the world who have been invited to dazzle visitors with their stunning stunts and outlandish antics. Among them are Snow White on stilts, fire-eaters, UV warriors and medieval figures glad in glittering costumes.

And the "sculptural dancers" who will be dressed as Christmas ornaments will stage two minstrel shows - "This" and "Moon" - where their use of dance and body language is sure to intrigue.

Party animals should not miss the fun at the city's most fashionable complex. Xintiandi's hottest clubs and bars are primed to offer entertainment all night.

Plus, well-known Hong Kong and Taiwanese singers Alan Tam, Hacken Lee and Angela Chang are confirmed to perform at Xintiandi's traditional Countdown Party - "As You Dream You Shall Become" - on New Year's Eve.

The countdown device shaped like a giant white magnolia - the flower of Shanghai - will ring in the New Year as each petal of the magnolia lights up.

Date: through December 25, 7:30pm, 9pm

Address: At the intersection of Xingye and Madang roads

Date: through December 25, 2pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm, 6pm

Address: The Corporate Ave, Xintiandi

Tel: 6386-1818, 6249-0150