14 Shanghai International School Open Days: Dates, Campuses and How to Book

Choosing a school in Shanghai is one of the biggest decisions expat families make — and there is no substitute for walking the campus, meeting the teachers and watching lessons in action. Over the coming weeks and months, 14 of the city's international and bilingual schools are opening their doors, from Pre-K open days to secondary discovery tours.

Below are the dates as announced by each school. A few early-November sessions have already taken place, so check with the school's admissions team for the next available date. Details can change, so confirm before you go.

1. Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (YCIS)

YCIS Shanghai is more than just a place for academic learning — it's where future global citizens are nurtured. During the Open Day, you can explore state-of-the-art facilities, from science labs to art studios and performance spaces, and talk directly with the School Leadership Team and teachers about the curriculum, teaching methods and how the school prepares students for a rapidly changing world. The admissions team will be on hand to answer questions about applications, admission criteria and school fees.

Open days:

• Early Childhood Education (ages 2–6): Puxi — November 4, 11, 18 and 25; Pudong — November 19; Lingang — November 28
• Primary (ages 6–11): Puxi — November 6 and 20; Pudong — November 19; Lingang — November 28
• Secondary (ages 11–18): Puxi — November 10; Pudong — November 17; Lingang — November 28

To book your place, email [email protected].

Campuses:

• Puxi Ronghua Campus, ECE Years 2–6 (ages 2–6) — 59 West Ronghua Avenue, Puxi (上海市长宁区荣华西道59号）
• Puxi Hongqiao Campus, Primary Years 2–6 (ages 6–11) — 11 Shuicheng Road, Puxi (上海市长宁区水城路11号）
• Puxi Gubei Campus, Secondary Years 7–13 (ages 11–18) — 18 West Ronghua Avenue, Puxi (上海市长宁区荣华西道18号）
• Pudong Regency Park Campus, Kindergarten 2 to Primary Year 4 (ages 2–9) — 1817 Huamu Road, Pudong (上海市浦东新区花木路1817号）
• Pudong Century Park Campus, Primary Year 5 to Secondary Year 13 (ages 9–18) — 1433 Dongxiu Road, Pudong (上海市浦东新区东绣路1433号）
• Lingang Campus, Kindergarten 2 to Primary Year 6 (ages 2–11) — No. 1 Yinlian Road, Nanhui New Town (上海市浦东新区临港新城银莲路1号）

2. Xiehe Education (SUIS Schools and Kindergartens)

Xiehe Education is one of Shanghai's most established and respected private education networks, blending Eastern and Western educational philosophies across its kindergartens and bilingual schools. Over the coming months, SUIS schools and kindergartens are hosting a series of Open Days — a chance to explore individual campuses, meet school leadership and teachers, learn about the SUIS curriculum and see how the schools balance academic excellence with creativity and character development. Admissions teams will be on site to answer questions about applications, admission criteria and school fees.

Open days: Dates vary by campus — contact the school for the latest schedule for the campus nearest you.

Campuses:

• SUIS Jiaoke — 55 Wanyuan Road, Minhang District (上海市闵行区万源路55号，近古美西路）
• SUIS Hongqiao — 999 Hongquan Road, Minhang District (上海市闵行区虹泉路999号）
• SUIS Shangyin — 310 Luhao Road, Minhang District (上海市闵行区鲁浩路310号）
• SUIS Gubei — 248 East Hongsong Road, Minhang District (上海市闵行区红松东路248号）
• SUIS Pudong (Primary & Middle) — 468 Kangwu Road, Pudong New Area (上海市浦东新区康梧路468号）
• SUIS Pudong (High School) — 1515 Sanlin Road, Pudong New Area (上海市浦东新区三林路1515号）
• SUIS Wanyuan — 509 Pingji Road, Minhang District (上海市闵行区平吉路509号）
• SUIS Qingpu — 32 Yejin Road, Qingpu District (上海市青浦区业锦路32号）
• SUIS Peiming — 1607 Xinzha Road, Jing'an District (上海市静安区新闸路1607号）

3. Wellington College International Shanghai

Wellington College International Shanghai is holding Open Days and Discovery Tours across all age groups — a chance to join a personalised learning journey from Early Years through Secondary.

• Early Years (ages 2–5): Thursday, November 19, 2026 — Senior Leader information session and campus tour, with all your curriculum questions answered.
• Primary School (ages 6–10): Tuesday, November 3 and Tuesday, November 24, 2026 — Senior Leader-led campus tour, curriculum Q&A and admissions information session.
• Secondary School Discovery Tour (ages 11–17): Wednesday, November 11 and Wednesday, November 25, 2026 — Admissions information session, a meeting with the Leadership Team, Q&A and campus tour.

To book your place, email [email protected].

Address: 100 Haiyang Xi Lu, Pudong District (海阳西路100号）

4. Shanghai Singapore International School (SSIS)

Shanghai Singapore International School warmly invites families to step onto campus and experience the SSIS difference firsthand. Whether you are exploring the Early Years Center, Primary School or Senior School, this is your opportunity to go beyond brochures and see the community in action.

Open Mornings, 9:30–11:30am:

• Wednesday sessions: October 14 and 28; November 4 and 18; December 2 and 16
• Saturday sessions: November 14 and 28

During the morning you can meet the school's educators, explore your child's learning path, tour the campus, sit in on real lessons and sample a much-loved school lunch — a small taste of daily life at SSIS. To register, email [email protected].

Address: 301 Zhu Jian Road, Minhang District, Shanghai (上海市闵行区朱建路301号）

5. Shanghai French School (Lycée Français de Shanghai)

Shanghai French School offers a distinctive route to leading universities around the world. Its graduates have gone on to institutions including Oxford, UCL, McGill, EPFL, HKU, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sciences Po and HEC. In 2026, the school achieved a 100% pass rate in the French Baccalauréat, with half of its graduates continuing their studies in France and half choosing universities abroad — including in the UK, Canada, Switzerland, China and the United States.

For families more familiar with the IB, A-Levels or AP, the French Baccalauréat offers an equally international academic pathway. The school's inclusion in the 2026 HSBC × Forbes China International Schools Selection — placing it among Shanghai's Top 10 international schools for foreign nationals across the Primary, Middle and High School divisions — reflects the growing recognition of its distinctive model, combining the French national curriculum with a genuinely trilingual learning environment in French, English and Chinese.

A non-profit international school, LFS welcomes around 1,620 students aged 2 to 18 across its Qingpu and Yangpu campuses, representing more than 60 nationalities. The school follows the French national curriculum and offers General, European, International American and International Chinese streams, as well as dedicated support for students joining without prior French. At LFS, French, English and Chinese are not simply three language subjects, but an integral part of the learning journey. As a non-profit school governed by the Board of its Parents' Association, LFS is built around a community-led model that places educational quality and the long-term interests of students at the heart of its development.

Open House dates (children are welcome to attend):

• Yangpu Campus, 9:30am, Tuesdays: December 1, 2026; January 19, March 9, April 13, May 18 and June 8, 2027
• Qingpu Campus, 9:00am, Mondays: December 7, 2026; January 25, March 15, April 19, May 24 and June 14, 2027

An Open Day is an opportunity to visit the campus, meet the school leadership and admissions team, discover the French curriculum and global university pathways, learn about the trilingual programme, find out how non-French-speaking students can join the school, speak with current LFS families and ask questions about admissions and school life.

For questions, contact the Admissions team at [email protected].

Addresses: Qingpu Campus — 350 Gaoguang Road (青浦区高光路350号）; Yangpu Campus — 788 Jiangwancheng Road (杨浦区江湾城路788号）

French education. A global future.

6. Shanghai Community International School (SCIS)

Discover the advantage at the SCIS Winter Open House 2026. From Early Years to Grade 12, discover how a connected IB education supports students academically, personally and beyond the classroom. Explore the campus, meet educators and experience the SCIS community firsthand — then stay and enjoy the annual Winter Carnival!

Winter Open House: Saturday, November 28, 2026, 11:00am. Children are welcome.

To book your place, email [email protected].

Address: 1161 Hongqiao Road, Changning District, Shanghai

7. Shanghai American School (SAS)

What does a great start to learning look like? At Shanghai American School, it begins with play, curiosity and the freedom to explore. In Pre-K classrooms, children are encouraged to follow their interests, share their ideas and learn alongside one another — building confidence, independence and a genuine love of learning.

Pre-K Open Day: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 10:00am, at both the Pudong and Puxi campuses. This event is designed for families with children who will be 3 or 4 years old next school year. Your little ones are encouraged to come along to explore, play and get a feel for life as an SAS Eagle.

Contact the school's admissions team to reserve your place — places are limited.

Addresses: SAS Pudong — 1600 Lingbai Road, by Renmintang Road, Pudong District (凌白路1600号，近人民塘路）; SAS Puxi — 258 Jinfeng Road, by Beiqing Road, Minhang District (金丰路258号，近北青公路）

8. Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong (NAIS)

Still looking for the right school for your child? This is your final opportunity this year to discover Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong (NAIS Pudong) in person. Explore the Primary and Secondary learning environments, discover the school's educational pathways and find out what makes the NAIS community a special place for your child's future.

Open Day: Friday, December 4, 2026, 1:00–3:00pm. Stay on afterwards for the Christmas Showcase & Fair, featuring festive stalls, family activities, delicious treats and wonderful student performances.

To book your place, email [email protected].

Address: 2888 Junmin Road, by Henghe Middle Road, Pudong District (军民公路2888号，近恒和中路）

9. Harrow International School Shanghai

The final Open Day of 2026 at Harrow will take place on the morning of Saturday, November 28. Explore the campus and the atmosphere of a British-style school, discover the distinctive House system, find out about the IGCSE and A Level programmes and pathways to leading universities, and meet the Head and teachers.

Discovery Day: Saturday, November 28, 2026 (morning), for Early Years, Primary and Upper School. Places are limited — contact the school's admissions team to secure your place.

Address: 588 Gaoxi Road, by Lansong Road, Pudong District (高西路588号，近兰嵩路）

10. German School Shanghai (Deutsche Schule Shanghai, DSS)

At the German School Shanghai (DSS) Open Days you will have the opportunity to observe a live lesson and join a school tour led by the admissions and the pedagogical team. The school offers 30 years of German education in Shanghai, German language programmes for starters and a gateway to study at top universities worldwide.

Open House, 10:00am–12:00 noon:

• November 4, 2026 — Yangpu Campus
• December 2, 2026 — Hongqiao Campus
• January 20, 2027 — Yangpu Campus
• March 17, 2027 — Hongqiao Campus
• April 7, 2027 — Yangpu Campus
• May 19, 2027 — Hongqiao Campus

Campus Tours, 10:00am–12:00 noon:

• October 28, 2026 — Hongqiao Campus
• November 18, 2026 — Yangpu Campus
• January 13, 2027 — Hongqiao Campus
• March 3, 2027 — Yangpu Campus
• April 21, 2027 — Hongqiao Campus
• May 12, 2027 — Yangpu Campus

Contact the school's admissions team to book your place.

Addresses: Yangpu Campus — 758 Jiangwancheng Road, by Yinhang Road, Yangpu District (江湾城路758号，近殷行路）; Hongqiao Campus — 350 Gaoguang Road, by Zhuguang Road, Qingpu District (高光路350号，近诸光路）

11. Dulwich College Shanghai

Open Days are a unique opportunity for families to visit Dulwich College Shanghai, meet the team and receive an exclusive introduction to the school's world-class holistic education. Each Open Day includes a face-to-face conversation with the Head of School, teachers and admissions officers, followed by an in-depth look at the curriculum and academic programmes — then a tour of the College, with classrooms in action and time to ask the questions that matter to you.

Why Dulwich? Personalised pathways for success; a nurturing environment where every child is valued; holistic education; academic rigour through activating thinking; and two academic pathways — the IB and A-Levels.

Open Days:

• DUCKS Kindergarten (ages 2–7), Junior School (ages 7–11) and Senior School (ages 11–18): Friday, November 27, 2026 — Puxi Campus; Saturday, November 28, 2026 — Pudong Campus

To book your place, email [email protected].

Addresses: Pudong Campus — 266 Lan An Road, JinQiao, Shanghai; DUCKS Kindergarten — 425 Lan An Road, JinQiao, Shanghai; Puxi Campus — 2000 Qian Pu Jing Road, Maqiao, Minhang, Shanghai

12. Concordia International School Shanghai

Discover how Concordia Shanghai nurtures confidence, curiosity and a love of learning. Parents and students are invited to explore Concordia's vibrant campus, experience engaging classroom activities and connect with educators who inspire academic excellence and personal growth — with a comprehensive American-style education enriched by sports, fine arts and applied learning.

Experience Concordia Open Days (parents & students):

• Thursday, December 3, 2026 — Grades 6–12
• Thursday, February 25, 2027 — Grades 6–12
• Saturday, February 27, 2027 — Preschool to Grade 5
• Thursday, March 11, 2027 — Grades 6–12

Phoenix Discovery — PreSchool/Pre-K Experience Class (ages 2–4): Thursday, December 3, 2026. Check-in 8:20–8:25am, trial class 8:30–9:30am. Immersive activities in English; up to two parents may accompany each student.

To book a place or a private tour, email [email protected].

Address: Concordia Shanghai Visitor's Entrance, 345 Huangyang Road, Pudong (上海市浦东新区黄杨路345号）

13. British International School Shanghai, Puxi (BISS)

Join BISS' Academic Discovery Morning on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 9:00am–12:00 noon. Discover how BISS is teaching the skills AI can't replace, and see how quickly English and maths can develop within a year. Your child will experience STEAM, maths and English lessons with BISS teachers, while parents join a school tour and Q&A session with leaders. With the recent expansion of the campus, this is the best time to explore BISS.

To book your place, email [email protected].

Address: 111 Jinguang Road, by Baole Road, Minhang District (上海市闵行区华漕镇金光路111号）

14. Britannica International School Shanghai

Seeking a top-tier British education in the heart of Shanghai? Britannica offers world-class facilities, a truly international community, strong pastoral care, an immersive language programme, diverse extracurricular activities and unwavering academic excellence — where tradition meets innovation in global education.

Open Day: Thursday, November 26, 2026, 9:30–11:30am. Meet the Senior Leadership Team, meet student representatives and take a school tour.

Can't make it on the day? Contact the school to arrange a bespoke tour.

Address: 1988 Gubei South Road, by Wuzhong Road (古北南路1988号，近吴中路）

Dates and details are as announced by the schools and may change — confirm with each school's admissions team before you go.

Shanghai in Autumn: 5 Walking Routes to Explore the City on Foot

Exploring Shanghai on foot is one of the best ways to soak up the city’s atmosphere and discover its hidden corners. Around every turn you might stumble upon something unexpected — a historic lane, a leafy boulevard, a skyline view you didn’t see coming.

Autumn is a wonderful time to walk in Shanghai: the plane trees turn gold, the air cools down, and the city feels made for slow exploring. Here are five self-guided walking routes to try, each with its own character.

1. See the Oriental Pearl Tower from Different Angles

Start your walk at the intersection of Liaoning Road and Harbin Road, one of the best spots to capture stunning views of the Oriental Pearl Tower. Just nearby, you’ll find Dobe · Old Maison 1913, where you can admire the building’s distinctive architecture before continuing your journey.

Your next stop is 1933 Old Millfun, a fascinating architectural landmark known for its maze of winding ramps and distinctive industrial design. Take time to wander its intriguing corridors and discover the building’s hidden corners.

After exploring 1933 Old Millfun, the rest of your walk is all about enjoying the Oriental Pearl Tower from different viewpoints. Take your time, capture memorable photos and admire Shanghai’s iconic skyline from a fresh perspective.

Distance: 2.3 km  ·  Walking: about 45 minutes  ·  Cycling: about 20 minutes
Key stops: 1933 Old Millfun, North Bund Riverside Green Space

2. Explore the Memory of Hongkou District

This walking tour begins at Hongkou Football Stadium Station (Metro Lines 3 and 8) and ends at Tiantong Road Station (Metro Lines 10 and 12). Along the way, you’ll discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Hongkou District, exploring its fascinating museums, historic landmarks and literary connections.

Highlights along the route include Lu Xun Park, the Shanghai Postal Museum and the former site of the Guangdong Grand Theater. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a different side of Shanghai, where stories of the city’s past come to life through its architecture and cultural landmarks.

Distance: 3.7 km  ·  Walking: about 1.5 hours  ·  Cycling: about 40 minutes
Key stops: Lu Xun Park, Tian’ai Road, former site of the Guangdong Grand Theater, Shanghai Postal Museum

3. Enjoy Fresh Air Under the Plane Trees

Along this walking route, you’ll be charmed by the beautiful plane trees lining the streets, which create a particularly picturesque atmosphere in autumn. One of the highlights is Moller Villa, a unique Norwegian-inspired architectural gem with a history spanning more than 70 years. With its fairytale-like appearance, it looks almost like a castle straight out of a storybook.

As you continue exploring, you’ll come across a wonderful mix of historic landmarks, stylish boutiques and beautiful churches, all within easy walking distance. It’s a lovely way to experience Shanghai’s architectural charm and cultural heritage at your own pace.

Distance: 2.8 km  ·  Walking: about 40 minutes  ·  Cycling: about 25 minutes
Key stops: Cathay Theatre, Moller Villa, Xiangyang Park

4. Bridges on the Suzhou Creek

If you’re looking to soak up Shanghai’s laid-back riverside atmosphere, this walking route is a perfect choice. Each bridge has its own distinctive character and fascinating history, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.

Take a leisurely stroll across the bridges, admire the impressive skyline of Lujiazui and enjoy beautiful waterfront views along the way. You’ll also find plenty of inviting restaurants nearby, perfect for taking a break and enjoying a delicious meal.

Distance: 2.8 km  ·  Walking: about 1 hour
Key stops: Xizang Road Bridge, Zhejiang Road Bridge, Sichuan Road Bridge, Zhapu Road Bridge, Waibaidu Bridge

5. Discover Historic Buildings and Shops

Start your walk at the iconic Wukang Building, one of Shanghai’s most recognisable architectural landmarks. The surrounding Hengfu Historic Area is a charming blend of Chinese and Western architecture, dotted with time-honoured local eateries and traditional Shanghai food brands that are well worth discovering.

Lined with beautiful plane trees, the area’s leafy avenues create a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll, especially in autumn. Along the way, take time to explore its cosy cafés, stylish bars and charming antique shops, where you can soak up the nostalgic charm of old Shanghai.

Distance: 5.4 km  ·  Walking: about 1.5 hours  ·  Cycling: about 45 minutes
Key stops: Wukang Building, Blackstone Apartments, Shanghai Arts and Crafts Museum, Jianyeli

Each of these routes is easy to enjoy at your own pace — pick one that matches your mood, wear comfortable shoes, and give yourself time to wander. Autumn in Shanghai is short, so make the most of it while the leaves last.

Filipino Passenger Arrested After Rushing for Plane Door on Cathay Pacific Flight to Hong Kong

Passengers on a Cathay Pacific flight from Kaohsiung to Hong Kong got a frightening surprise mid-flight on Wednesday, November 11, when a fellow traveller suddenly rushed toward the aircraft door, shouting that he wanted to get off the plane.

According to video footage circulating online and eyewitness accounts, the 28-year-old man, a Philippine passport holder, became agitated during the flight, pushed a flight attendant aside, and made his way toward the cabin door. Witnesses said he clasped his hands together, showed fellow passengers a photo of his daughter, and held out an envelope of cash while repeatedly begging to be let off the plane.

With help from fellow passengers — including a woman travelling in plain clothes — the crew managed to restrain the man and secure him in his seat. The flight, CX423 from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, to Hong Kong, then landed safely at Hong Kong International Airport.

Footage from a second video showed several uniformed police officers boarding the aircraft with shields once it had parked, before escorting the man off the plane.

Hong Kong police said they received a report at around 2:23 p.m. on November 11 that a 28-year-old foreign man holding a Philippine passport was behaving agitatedly aboard an aircraft. Officers arrested the man on suspicion of violating the Aviation Security Ordinance. The case remains under investigation.

Source: Southern Metropolis Daily (南方都市报)

Changbai Mountain in Winter: Skiing, Hot Springs and Two Great Hyatt Stays

When winter arrives in northeast China, Changbai Mountain turns into a snow-covered wonderland. At the foot of the mountain, Changbaishan International Resort (Wanda Changbaishan) offers nearly 7 square kilometres of skiable terrain across 43 trails, with 9 advanced, 14 intermediate and 20 beginner runs, so there is something for first-timers and seasoned skiers alike. The ski season generally runs from mid-November to early April. Here is how to make the most of a winter trip, from where to stay to what to see beyond the slopes.

Where to Stay: Two Hyatt Hotels

Park Hyatt Changbaishan

Park Hyatt Changbaishan is an ideal choice for couples and travellers seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by tranquil forests and mountain scenery. The hotel features a main building and nine private villas, beautifully nestled among the trees.

You can enjoy a wide range of wellness and leisure facilities, including a fitness centre, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, indoor swimming pool and hot spring, making it easy to relax and unwind after a day in the snow.

Dining is equally inviting. The Living Room serves Chinese and Western dishes, alongside afternoon tea and speciality coffee. Meanwhile, the adjacent Dining Room specialises in Chinese cuisine and traditional-style hot pot, offering a cosy dining experience after a day of winter adventures.

Hyatt Regency Changbaishan

Hyatt Regency Changbaishan is an excellent choice for families planning a winter getaway with children. Conveniently located near both the ski resort and the shopping street, the hotel makes it easy to enjoy everything the destination has to offer.

The hotel features 278 rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and an outdoor heated pool. Families can also enjoy Camp Hyatt, a dedicated children's area where little ones can take part in fun activities while parents take some well-deserved time to relax.

When it comes to dining, the hotel offers two main restaurants and two seasonal dining venues. One highlight is Chalet BBQ, which takes barbecue dining to another level. Set in a woodland-inspired setting, the restaurant features charcoal grills built into the centre of each table, so you can enjoy freshly grilled meats in a memorable atmosphere.

Ski House and Igloo House

All hotel guests can use the facilities at the Ski House and Igloo House. During the winter season, the Ski House provides convenient ski equipment storage. It is ideally located right at the entrance to the ski slopes, making it easy to hit the snow. For a truly memorable experience, head to the Igloo Houses, where you can enjoy a unique dining experience surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered scenery.

What to Do Beyond the Slopes

Changbaishan International Resort

Located in Jilin Province, Changbaishan International Resort offers nearly 7 square kilometres of skiable terrain across 43 trails: 9 advanced, 14 intermediate and 20 beginner trails, making it an excellent destination for both seasoned skiers and first-timers. Beyond the slopes, you can unwind in natural hot springs or explore the spectacular scenery of Changbai Mountain, including a hike to the famous Heaven Lake (Tianchi).

Changbai Mountain and Heaven Lake (Tianchi)

Changbai Mountain is a dormant volcano and a vast scenic wonderland, home to rare wildlife, lush forests, crystal-clear lakes and bubbling hot springs. From December to March, Heaven Lake (Tianchi) freezes over, transforming into a spectacular winter wonderland. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the frozen crater lake creates a stunning landscape that feels almost otherworldly.

Changbai Waterfall is the lake's only outlet. The water drops 68 metres into the gorge below, and the waterfall is listed by Guinness World Records as the largest waterfall fed by a volcanic crater lake.

For a quieter nature experience, head to the Valley Forest, where you can take a leisurely walk through pristine woodland, admire the beautiful natural surroundings and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Rime Ice and Winter Mist

When temperatures drop to around -20°C, warm spring water flowing through Erdaobaihe Town releases clouds of steam into the freezing air. As the mist meets the cold, it crystallises into delicate rime ice, coating the surrounding landscape in a frosty glow. The result is a truly enchanting winter spectacle, where swirling mist and sparkling ice create a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

Jinjiang Wooden Village

Jinjiang Wooden Village dates back to 1677 and is steeped in local history. According to legend, Emperor Kangxi planned to hold sacrificial ceremonies here to honour heaven and his ancestors, prompting the deployment of troops to the area.

Today, around 30 traditional wooden cabins remain, built by local residents using age-old construction techniques. As the last surviving wooden village in the Changbai Mountain area, Jinjiang offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's traditional way of life and architectural heritage.

Travel Tips

Q1: How do I travel around Changbai Mountain?

To protect the natural environment, private cars and regular buses are not permitted inside the Changbai Mountain Scenic Area. Visitors can travel around the park using eco-friendly shuttle buses, which provide convenient access to its main attractions while helping preserve the area's pristine surroundings.

Q2: When is the best time to visit Changbai Mountain?

From late June to early September, the weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the mountain's lush forests. If you are dreaming of a winter wonderland, plan your visit between November and January, when the mountain is transformed by beautiful snow-covered scenery.

Q3: How many days do I need in Changbai Mountain?

To explore Changbai Mountain at a comfortable pace, allow at least three days, including your arrival and departure days. Most travellers spend one full day exploring either the North Slope or the West Slope, plus half a day visiting the Mojie Scenic Area.

If you want to experience both slopes and have a chance to see the spectacular Heaven Lake, consider adding an extra day to your itinerary.

For a more complete winter getaway, extend your stay by another two days. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy skiing at Changbaishan International Resort, soak in natural hot springs and experience other exciting winter activities.

Q4: How do I get there from the hotel?

• 20 minutes by car to Changbaishan Airport
• 20 minutes by car to Songjianghe Railway Station
• 15 minutes by car to the West Slope Scenic Area of Changbai Mountain
• 120 minutes by car to the North Slope Scenic Area of Changbai Mountain

Changbai Mountain in winter is cold, bright and unforgettable: deep snow, steaming hot springs and a frozen crater lake, all within reach of a comfortable resort stay. Pack warm layers, allow extra days for the mountain weather, and enjoy one of China's great winter destinations.

After Nearly 20 Years, a Guangzhou Bilingual School Closes Its Doors for Good

Guangzhou Huadu Bozhi Chinese-English School has officially completed its deregistration, seven months after receiving approval to terminate its operations — bringing nearly two decades of schooling to an end.

The Huadu District Civil Affairs Bureau issued the deregistration approval, following an earlier decision by the district's education authority on March 25, 2026, approving the school's application to cease operations.

Founded in December 2006, the school had been operating for almost 20 years. Although neither approval document specified the reasons for its closure, the case highlights the growing challenges facing some private schools amid declining student numbers, expanding public-school capacity, and intensifying competition in Guangzhou's education market.

Source: OT-Team (G), Study Abroad Magazine

Two Approvals, Seven Months Apart: What Happened?

The first approval came from the Huadu District Education Bureau on March 25, 2026. It was issued under Articles 56 to 60 of the Law on the Promotion of Privately-run Schools, which cover the circumstances under which private schools may terminate operations, liquidation procedures, the order in which assets must be used to settle obligations, and the subsequent withdrawal of school licenses, destruction of official seals, and deregistration.

One detail in the approval is particularly noteworthy. The education bureau stated that it had received the school's application materials concerning the termination of its operations. This indicates that the closure was initiated by the school itself, rather than resulting from the revocation of its school license or an administrative order requiring it to shut down.

The second approval came from the Huadu District Civil Affairs Bureau, which oversees the school's legal entity registration. As a private non-enterprise entity, the school was subject to two separate administrative procedures: the education authority handled its school operating qualifications, while the civil affairs authority was responsible for its legal registration.

The deregistration approval required the school to settle its bank accounts and surrender both the original and duplicate copies of its registration certificate, along with its official seals.

Under the Regulations on the Implementation of the Law on the Promotion of Privately-run Schools, a private school voluntarily terminating its operations must publish an announcement of its proposed closure at least six months in advance, formulate a termination plan in accordance with the law, organize liquidation, and then apply to the registration authority for deregistration. The seven-month interval between the two approvals is broadly consistent with the time needed to complete these procedures.

The law also requires private schools to make proper arrangements for enrolled students before terminating operations. For private schools providing compulsory education, the education authority must assist in arranging for students to continue their education elsewhere.

The law further specifies the order in which a school's assets must be used to settle its obligations: first, refunds of tuition and miscellaneous fees; second, outstanding staff salaries and social insurance contributions; and finally, other debts.

The completion of the deregistration process indicates that the school has gone through the required formal procedures for termination and liquidation.

Why Did the School Close?

Despite having "Chinese-English" in its name, Guangzhou Huadu Bozhi Chinese-English School was not the type of international school that many people might associate with bilingual education.

Public registration records identify it as a private non-enterprise entity, with registered capital of RMB 100,000 and Chen Yuetong listed as its legal representative. Its registered scope of activities covered nine years of compulsory education, from primary through junior secondary school.

The school was established by Guangdong Longtao Education Group in late 2006. According to an industry commentator who has long followed school selection trends in South China, Bozhi followed a budget-friendly bilingual education model, with annual tuition below RMB 10,000. Its main target market consisted of migrant-worker families and other households with limited education budgets that needed a school close to home.

This positioning gave it some advantages over public schools, including a bilingual offering and greater flexibility in certain aspects of its curriculum. However, it lacked the comprehensive curricula and established university placement records of leading international schools, while also lacking the pricing and institutional advantages of public schools.

In other words, its competitiveness depended on occupying a middle ground: offering somewhat more than a conventional public school at a fraction of the cost of an international school. That model could work when student numbers were sufficient. But when the pool of potential students shrinks, schools occupying this middle ground can be among the first to feel the pressure.

There are also signs that the school had faced administrative compliance issues in previous years. According to Tianyancha, a Chinese business information platform, it was placed on the List of Social Organizations with Abnormal Operations twice, on October 22, 2020, and October 28, 2023. Both listings were attributed to its failure to submit annual work reports within the prescribed deadlines.

Although the official closure approvals did not disclose a specific reason for the school's termination, several broader pressures affecting its market position are worth examining.

1. Fewer Children, a Shrinking Student Pool

According to publicly available figures cited in media reports, China's annual birth count fell from 18.83 million in 2016 to below 10 million in 2022, reaching approximately 7.92 million in 2025. That represents a decline of more than half in less than a decade, significantly reducing the number of children entering the education system.

For private schools that depend on tuition-paying students, the shrinking population creates an increasingly challenging recruitment environment.

2. Public Schools Are Expanding

At the same time, public-school capacity in Guangzhou continues to grow. According to the 2026 senior high school enrollment plan released by the Guangzhou Education Bureau in May, the city planned to admit 101,720 students to regular senior high schools, an increase of 11,244 from the previous year. The total number of planned admissions has increased by more than 10,000 for three consecutive years.

Of the 2026 total, public schools, including publicly funded classes in private schools, accounted for 79,211 places, an increase of 9,025, or 12.86%, year on year.

As public-school capacity expands and educational quality improves, more families may naturally favor public institutions. For tuition-charging private schools, this means facing competition from an increasingly accessible alternative.

3. A Bilingual Label Is No Longer Enough

Enrollment figures also suggest growing differentiation within the private education sector. According to data from the Guangzhou Admissions and Examination Service Center, the overall fulfillment rate for 2026 enrollment plans at private senior high schools (excluding publicly funded classes) and Chinese-foreign cooperative education programs was 71.19%.

Private senior high schools recorded a fulfillment rate of 72.99%, an improvement over 2025. However, after the regular admissions process ended, private senior high schools still had 5,892 unfilled places, while Chinese-foreign cooperative education programs had another 892 places left vacant.

The improved fulfillment rate suggests that leading private schools are recovering some of their appeal. Yet nearly 30% of the planned places across the two categories remained unfilled. This points to continued enrollment pressure among schools outside the top tier. Rather than improving across the board, the private education market appears to be becoming increasingly divided between stronger and weaker institutions.

The Bigger Picture: Some Schools Are Closing, Others Are Expanding

It would be easy to interpret Bozhi's closure as evidence that private education in Guangzhou is generally contracting. However, developments in 2026 suggest a more complicated picture.

During the same year, several internationally oriented schools with established brands and distinctive curricula opened new campuses in Guangzhou. Some schools are exiting the market while others are entering or expanding. The two trends occurring simultaneously suggest that demand for private education has not simply disappeared. Instead, the criteria by which parents choose schools are changing.

Families are increasingly looking for distinctive educational offerings rather than paying simply for a school to carry the label of a private institution.

Proposals discussed during Guangzhou's 2026 Two Sessions also point in this direction. They called on private senior high schools to shift their focus from expanding enrollment to improving educational quality, with greater emphasis on distinctive programs in science and technology, arts, sports, and international curricula.

Ultimately, Bozhi's challenge may not have been that it was a private school, but that its level of differentiation was insufficient to sustain its position in an increasingly competitive market with a shrinking pool of students.

As Guangzhou's education sector continues to evolve, schools that cannot offer a compelling reason for families to choose them may find it increasingly difficult to survive.

Your Trademark Was Rejected in China? How to Fight Back with a Rejection Review

If you are building a brand in China, your trademark is one of your most valuable assets. A trademark is the distinctive sign that sets your goods or services apart from everyone else's. Only a registered trademark enjoys exclusive rights in China, and those rights cover only the mark as approved and the goods or services listed in the registration.

Getting a trademark registered in China can take one to three years. Many businesses start using their mark on packaging and products long before the registration comes through. So what happens if the application is rejected, but your brand has already gained recognition in the market? That is when a trademark rejection review becomes your key remedy.

Here are four practical steps to approach one.

1. Analyse the Official Rejection Grounds

Start by reading the rejection notice carefully. Common grounds include a violation of the prohibitive provisions of the Trademark Law, a lack of distinctiveness, wording that is merely descriptive, a conflict with prior rights, or similarity to an earlier registered trademark.

Keep in mind that trademark examination depends on individual examiners, and subjective judgement can lead to different outcomes for similar cases. The review procedure exists precisely to correct unreasonable decisions and to safeguard applicants' legitimate rights.

2. Build Your Legal Argument

If the rejection basis is flawed, prepare a review petition grounded in the Trademark Law, its Implementing Regulations, the Trademark Examination and Trial Guidelines, and relevant judicial interpretations. Compare your mark with the cited marks side by side, and pinpoint the legal provisions that support your case.

3. Compile Solid Evidence

Good evidence makes or breaks a review. You will need proof of identity, proof that you filed within the statutory period, the rejection notice itself, evidence that your mark has acquired distinctiveness through use, and evidence showing there is no likelihood of confusion with the cited trademarks. Index, label and explain every exhibit.

Earlier sales records, marketing materials and consumer feedback are powerful proof that your mark already functions as a source identifier in the eyes of the public.

4. Observe the Critical Procedural Rules

The hard deadline is 15 calendar days from receipt of the rejection notice. If you filed through an agency, service on the agent counts as service on you, so the clock may already be running. For mailed documents, the submission date is determined by the postmark; for electronic submissions, it is the filing date.

The 15-day rule is set out in Article 34 of the Trademark Law, and it is unchanged under the revised Trademark Law that takes effect on 1 January 2027. Do not miss it: once the window closes, the rejection stands.

Arguing Similarity — and Distinctiveness

When similarity is the issue, analyse the font, pronunciation, meaning, graphic composition and overall impression of the two marks. Evidence that the two marks have coexisted in the real market without confusing consumers strengthens your case. And if your mark has acquired distinctiveness through continuous use, demonstrate that clearly.

A well-known brand is at the core of your competitiveness in the market. Trademark review is highly technical work, so do not rush it or file casually. Get a professional assessment first — and if you are a foreign applicant with no place of business in China, note that you must file through a trademark agency established in China.

Thanksgiving, 36 Floors Up: A Six-Course French Feast Above the Bund

Thanksgiving dinner is usually an exercise in abundance: a crowded table, familiar sides, and enough turkey for tomorrow's sandwiches. At Jade on 36, high above the Huangpu River at Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai, they take a more measured route. This year, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, and the restaurant's six-course menu puts French technique to work on the holiday's familiar flavors, with touches of Asia and a view across the water to the Bund.

There is a particular pleasure in watching the Bund lights come on while someone else takes charge of Thanksgiving dinner. Here, it's the food that commands attention.

Small Plates to Start

The menu is interspersed with little surprises — amuse-bouche that pop up along the way.

The Foie Gras Lollipop looks like a sweet, but bites back with the buttery richness of foie gras, tucked beneath a brittle sugar shell. It is playful, and just rich enough to make you glad it is only one bite.

Gravlax comes next, cool and silky under a dab of horseradish cream.

The Prawn Tart is contained within crisp pastry, bright little cubes of tartare inside — a pleasing snap before the soft sweetness of the seafood.

Small things, carefully made.

Sea Urchin & Caviar Tart

The Sea Urchin & Caviar Tart comes out on a huge plate with a small, careful arrangement in the middle: four lobes of Dalian uni bring a sweet, ocean-deep flavor, softened by sour cream and a pale, sweet purée. The sea urchin sauce makes the whole thing both creamier and more savory; Kaluga caviar adds little salted bursts, while peas give the mouthful something to push back against. It is delicate, but in no way timid.

Dover Sole "Meunière"

Dover Sole "Meunière" follows as a sort of very posh fish sandwich, and we mean that as a compliment. A crisp piece of toast sits on top; underneath is tender sole, with pressed Carabinero shrimp tucked into the middle. The contrast is the fun of it: crunch, softness, then the shrimp's sweet, concentrated flavor. A lemony Gewürztraminer sauce brings a sweet tang and cuts the richness.

Thanksgiving Roast Turkey

The Thanksgiving Roast Turkey is the menu's most direct nod to festival traditions, arriving glossy and bronzed, with the aroma of a proper roast. The meat is remarkably succulent — the result of a five-hour marinade with soy, butter, sage, and garlic, followed by a three-hour roast. The soy is the clever part. It does what a brine does, but with a savory depth mere brine cannot reach, and the meat is seasoned to the center.

Warm potato salad brings smoky ham and a sharp vinegar note; the cranberry compote is spiced and made with turkey juices, tart enough to wake everything up. That tart, savory-sweet sauce is an especially good foil for the tender meat. The plate feels recognizably festive, yet more finely tuned than the usual holiday spread.

Australian Wagyu Beef

The beef course offers Australian Wagyu Tenderloin M4 or Sirloin M7. We had the M7, a compact, deeply satisfying portion with rigatoni filled with foie gras and celeriac ragù. Yunnan black truffle is in season, and its earthy perfume winds through the dish, with a little more grated over the top. The celeriac brings a soft sweetness; foie gras lends its decadent, velvet richness; beef jus gathers everything into one gloriously savory mouthful.

Pink Guava Granité

A Pink Guava Granité in a martini glass is the reset: it pairs guava sorbet with orange and basil, capped with airy mascarpone champagne foam. The guava is sharp and clean, the foam rounds its edges, and basil lifts the fruit with a green, fragrant note. Palate cooled, appetite restored — the perfect interlude at this stage of proceedings.

Dessert: Tart or Cigar

Dessert is a choice: tart or cigar.

The Granny Smith Apple Tart tastes like the holiday, a layer of mille-feuille pastry shattering to reveal tender apple filling. A delicate almond flavor runs through it, supplying nutty richness, while vanilla ice cream and Greek yogurt temper the fruit's sharper edge.

The Chocolate Cigar offers the more theatrical finish. The cloche is lifted, and a drift of smoke wafts over the table; inside, Valrhona Guanaja 70% chocolate meets a dreamlike Grand Marnier foam. A smoky note runs through the dessert, but the lighter, fragrant elements stop the chocolate from becoming too weighty, while a berry-and-tea sorbet sits on the side. It's a playful flourish that earns its reveal.

Jade on 36 gives Thanksgiving its own polished expression: ingredients — familiar and unfamiliar — handled with precision, and enough warmth in the cooking to make the occasion feel like a real celebration.

No leftovers, so no sandwiches the next day. What you get instead is the whole holiday, cooked with far more care and flair than usual, and handed over one course at a time — with the Bund lighting up across the water.

The six-course Thanksgiving menu is RMB 1,188 per person.

Reservations: +86 21 2828 6888

Jade on 36 Restaurant, 36/F, Grand Tower, Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai, 33 Fucheng Road.

Downstairs at YICAFE: The Thanksgiving Buffet

Downstairs at YICAFE, Thanksgiving opens out into a buffet with room for every appetite. Live cooking stations carry the meal across a dozen cuisines, from roast turkey and the familiar trimmings to slow-cooked short rib.

The holiday classics are present, but they have plenty of company. Chinese seasonal dishes bring their own warmth; nearby, hotpot bubbles away, while Indian curries perfume the air and Middle Eastern meats cook over open flame.

The range would be impressive on its own, but the cooking gives the spread its character. Sushi and sashimi are arranged with the care of a dedicated bar: glossy salmon, deep-red tuna and pale slices of snapper, each piece neatly prepared. It is a small detail that says a lot about the attention paid across the room.

There is no prescribed route through it all, which is rather the point. Take a plate, follow your curiosity, and leave enough room to double back. For the finish, festive desserts and themed cakes offer a cheerful last stop.

YICAFE makes abundance feel considered, with enough variety to keep the table exploring and enough polish to make the occasion feel special. Some Thanksgiving dinners are built around one centerpiece; here, the pleasure is deciding what to try next.

The buffet is RMB 487 per person.

Reservations: +86 21 2828 6888

YICAFE, 2/F, Grand Tower, Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai, 33 Fucheng Road.