Shanghai has once again been illuminated in spectacular fashion with the opening of its second International Light Festival. The festival, which officially commenced on September 19 and runs until October 18, transforms the city into a vibrant celebration of creativity, technology, and art.
The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks from Mr. Zhang Xiaohong, Vice Mayor of Shanghai and Director of the Organizing Committee, followed by the official launch by Mr. Gong Zheng, Deputy Party Secretary and Mayor of Shanghai. The Xuhui Riverside served as the main venue, debuting a large-scale immersive 3D show with iconic light and shadow art installations from across the globe. Highlights included an immersive dome projection, architectural projection displays, and a spectacular drone light show, while light installations brightened districts throughout the city.
Representing the CIE, an on-site delegation included Dr. Diana Wernisch (CIE Secretary General), Mr. Tony Bergen (CIE Vice-President Technical and President-Elect), Prof. Luoxi Hao (CIE Vice-President Education), and Prof. Nozomu Yoshizawa (Director of CIE Division 3).
As part of the festival’s scientific programme, the CIE delegation also took part in the 2nd Shanghai International Light Festival International Symposium on Light Art on September 20. Mr. Tony Bergen gave an opening address alongside representatives of LUCI and the organising committee, emphasising CIE’s role as the international body providing guidance on lighting. Prof. Luoxi Hao also delivered a welcome speech and later contributed to the expert symposium, where she presented “The World’s Light and Shadow Capital: The Sustainable Development of the Shanghai International Light Festival.” Her talk reflected on the founding reasons, history, highlights, and achievements of the inaugural festival, while outlining the expectations, results, and future sustainable development prospects for the second edition. Prof. Nozomu Yoshizawa followed with an expert lecture on “Sustainable Urban Lighting and Dark Sky Protection – World Expo Lighting Design Guide.” He emphasised how sustainable and environmentally friendly urban lighting also requires the intelligent use of darkness, introducing the upcoming CIE Position Statement on Obtrusive Lighting/Light Pollution, and illustrating future directions in urban lighting through the example of Expo 2025 Osaka lighting guidelines developed with reference to CIE guidance.
CIE’s participation underscored its mission to provide authoritative expertise on urban lighting design and sustainability. Relevant CIE publications, such as CIE 234:2019: A Guide to Urban Lighting Masterplanning and CIE 150:2017: Guide on the Limitation of the Effects of Obtrusive Light from Outdoor Lighting Installations, 2nd Edition, continue to serve as key resources for planners, designers, and policymakers working to balance innovation in lighting with environmental responsibility.
