Popular shopping squares and malls in Shanghai have been boosting traffic with seasonal activities and attractive promotions.

A 1,200-square-meter open-air real-ice rink has been built in North Bund, the mega city's riverside landmark. With gorgeous lights and energetic music, the rink has emerged as a main attraction for locals, who are not used to seeing much wintertime ice or snow.
"There are very few opportunities to skate on real ice in Shanghai, so we are very happy [that the rink was built]. We are glad to let our kids participate in such activities," said a local resident.
The rarity of such opportunity is changing, however, as Shanghai has so far built more than 40 real-ice rinks across the city.
Meanwhile, the financial hub has recently launched the 2024 New Year shopping season, which will run through the first week of the Lunar New Year in mid-February.
Commercial districts and shopping centers have lined up a series of recreation activities focusing on the fusion of consumption, culture and technology -- restaurants have installed spiral slides to serve food onto tables, and virtual reality experiences are allowing visitors to immerse themselves into the world of dinosaurs.
In one mall, a mini zoo has become a good place for children to learn firsthand about wildlife.
"I took my kids here to have close contact with animals," said a customer.
From January to November this year, the city's total retail sales of consumer goods increased by 12.9 percent compared with the same period last year, with significant growth of cultural and tourism consumption.
Local authorities said that Shanghai's commissions of commerce, tourism, culture, sports, and exhibitions will take joint actions to provide residents with diverse consumption options and further release the city's consumption potential during the shopping season.