On weekends and especially summer nights, Xintiandi's Summer Fiesta features street art and music. Enjoy larger-than-life chess, living sculpture, Latin bands, graceful Kunqu Opera and magical mask-changing Sichuan Opera.

In the summer heat there is nothing better than taking a stroll to breathe some fresh air and enjoy a night of cool performances.

Over the following weekends through August 19, Xintiandi is presenting a Summer Fiesta providing city dwellers a chance to enjoy street art and music.

The North Block square of Xintiandi has been changed into a world of black and white checkers. Visitors are welcome to entertain themselves with a game on this larger-than-life chess board.

People can also enjoy cultural performances.

On Fridays, there are Latin band shows, filling the summer night with captivating Latin rhythms and melodies, including saxophones and compelling drums.

On Saturdays, Kunqu Opera performers will stage classic shows to bring people close to the unique traditional Chinese theatrical art. This gentle art form originated in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, about 600 years ago and features unique acting techniques and distinctive tunes.

If people are curious about the mask-changing in Sichuan Opera, they should not miss the face-changing performances. Performers wear brightly colored costumes and vividly colored masks and move to fast-paced dramatic music. Within seconds, the performers change their masks, revealing a completely new visage.

On Sundays visitors are encouraged to look for improvised "living sculptures" in Xintiandi. Their fascinating beauty can evoke people's creativity and passion in this season.

Xintiandi's Summer Fiesta
Date: through August 19 (every Friday, Saturday and Sunday), 8am-11pm
Venue: North Block of Xintiandi, 181 Taicang Rd
Tel: 021-63861818/63236006