Host of activities thrill the crowd on Readers’ Day

Visitors to Shanghai Daily Readers' Day take part in a plank competition yesterday at the Kerry Parkside in Pudong New Area. — Wang Rongjiang

Hundreds of readers and representatives from foreign consulates yesterday showed up for the second Readers' Day, a fun-filled day organized by Shanghai Daily.

The event, held at Kerry Parkside in Pudong New Area, opened with a live band act at 11am, followed by a demonstration of kung fu skills and playing the guzheng, a traditional Chinese musical instrument.

A colorful dance performance by international artists warmed up the afternoon. There were folk artists who demonstrated the art of making Chinese handicrafts while a plank competition and lucky draws kept visitors entertained.

Rodrigo Enrique ArcosCastro, Chile's Consul General in Shanghai, said it was a nice event for families. "The day was very windy, but a lot of people enjoyed it. I am a Shanghai Daily reader. I read it every day and wanted to come and see what the event was about."

The highlight of the afternoon was the awarding ceremony for a photo competition with the participating entries on display at the site. Six participants walked away with prizes.

The online photo competition called "Moments with Shanghai Daily" was launched by iDEALShanghai.com in late August. Readers were invited to share snapshots featuring Shanghai Daily. It received over 30 entries which were voted by readers.

"I'm so lucky to win the prize. I have been reading Shanghai Daily for 10 years. It tells the lifestyle and culture of Shanghai and places around it like Hangzhou with the perspective of a foreigner," said Yu Xiaoye, the second prize winner.

"Shanghai Daily enjoys a very special position in the Group with a special group of readers, the expatriates. Through an event like this, readers of this newspaper will get together and get close to Shanghai like a family," said Wang Wei, deputy publisher of Shanghai United Media Group.