Summer Stroll Through Shanghai's Anime Wonderland: Ultimate Otaku Pilgrimage Guide 2025

Meta Description: Discover Shanghai's anime wonderland with our ultimate otaku pilgrimage guide. From Bilibili World 2025 to EVA statues and Ultraman exhibitions, plan your perfect summer anime tour.

Introduction: Why Shanghai is China's Anime Holy Land

If you asked me whether it was worth it for an anime fan living in Heilongjiang to fly over 2,000 kilometers to Shanghai just to attend a single day of a convention, my answer would be: absolutely worth it—and then some.

Back in June, I managed to snag tickets for Bilibili World 2025—well, okay, I hired a ticket-snatching service. But no matter how曲折 (twisty and turny) the process was, the result was that I finally got my hands on this golden ticket to the holy city of anime. After missing out on tickets last year and having to settle for ChinaJoy instead, I made a silent vow: this year, I was getting into BW.

Since 2023, tickets for major anime conventions across China have become nearly impossible to secure. I scoured every攻略 (guide and strategy) I could find, exhausted every method I could think of, and finally secured a ticket for BW's first day. But here was the problem: flying from Heilongjiang to Shanghai meant airfare that already made my wallet wince—I couldn't just stay for one day and fly back, could I? So I began meticulously planning my itinerary, transforming this trip into a systematic "Shanghai otaku pilgrimage."

Beyond BW, Shanghai anime culture hides countless treasures that make anime fans' hearts race: the EVA Unit-01 statue standing in silent majesty, waiting for every believer to gaze upon it; the Ultraman 60th Anniversary Exhibition at New World City, featuring rare film props; the miHoYo headquarters open for预约 (reserved visits); and countless pop-up stores and anime-themed shopping malls... This city has quietly transformed into a holy land where reality and fiction intertwine.

So I crafted the following Shanghai anime itinerary:

• July 10: Fly from Daqing to Shanghai
• July 11: Full day at BW2025, then visit the EVA statue after the convention, followed by the SAM statue at Xinyao Halo·Live shopping mall
• July 12: Morning tour of miHoYo headquarters exhibition hall, midday visit to the Bloke pop-up store at Metro City, afternoon at the Ultraman 60th Anniversary Exhibition at New World City, evening at Bailian ZX
• July 13: Morning visit to the Hatsune Miku collaboration event at Wukang Road Post Office, then the Detective Conan pop-up store at Jing'an Joy City, afternoon flight back to Daqing

Three days,浓缩 (condensing) the excitement of multiple anime seasons. I hereby dub this journey—"Shanghai Otaku Pilgrimage."

First Taste of BW: When the Dimensional Wall Shattered

Arrival: From Airport to Hotel, the Otaku Concentration Skyrocketed

On the evening of July 10, my plane touched down at Pudong Airport. Dragging my suitcase, I endured over an hour on the subway before finally reaching the hotel. As I exited the station, the streetlights were adorned with banners for "Shanghai International Anime Month," and even the subway exit was plastered with anime posters. At that moment, I couldn't help but sigh: Shanghai really is an anime city.

That night, knowing I'd be heading to BW the next day, I was so nervous I barely slept.

Entry: The Otaku Army Under the Four-Leaf Clover

Early on July 11, Shanghai's subway stations and hotels were already teeming with excited, restless anime fans. I hopped on Line 2, and the closer we got to the National Exhibition and Convention Center, the thicker the anime atmosphere became in the carriage. Everywhere I looked, there were "痛包 (pain bags)" and "痛箱 (pain suitcases)" —backpacks and luggage covered in badges and character keychains. Everyone had a clear goal, like a joyful marching otaku army.

When the subway doors opened, the crowd surged like a tidal wave toward the "Four-Leaf Clover" —the National Exhibition and Convention Center. Someone laughed and said, "Otaku use up their entire year's exercise quota in just one day here."

From the subway station to the venue, it took nearly half an hour of walking just to reach Hall 7. This buffer zone was already packed to the brim with fellow enthusiasts waiting for ticket verification. The crowd was let in batches, and each time they were released, everyone sprinted forward as if running a 100-meter dash.

Exploring the Expo: A 30,000-Step Marathon

This year's BW2025 opened eight exhibition halls, from 1.1 to 8.1, on a scale far beyond my imagination. I entered at 8:40 AM and wandered until around 4 PM, barely managing to cover all the halls—and that was with only a superficial glance at most things. If conditions allow, I strongly recommend buying two-day or even three-day tickets to truly immerse yourself.

That said, Bilibili World tickets are already nearly impossible to get, so securing a single-day pass is no small feat. By the end of the day, my step count easily exceeded 30,000. If I'd walked for three consecutive days, I wouldn't have had the stamina to survive.

Even though I arrived early, many popular booths already had queues stretching hundreds of meters, even before events had started. I didn't come to BW primarily to collect merchandise or "薅羊毛 (shear the sheep, i.e., grab freebies)" —ChinaJoy might be better for that. I approached it more with a "wander around and see what happens" mindset, aimlessly strolling through the venue. Even though I wasn't familiar with most of the anime and game IPs on display, that didn't stop me from enjoying myself—sometimes, just watching the spectacle is its own kind of joy.

When I first entered, I felt a bit disoriented, not knowing where to start. I happened to walk past the ZOL (Zhongguancun Online) booth, where cosplayers were about to begin a performance. So I decided to kick off my BW journey with a rendition of "寄明月 (Sending the Bright Moon)."

Breaking Through Dimensions: Encountering BW's Most Beautiful Cosplayers

If there's one thing that left the deepest impression at BW, it was the cosplayers everywhere. Word has it that nearly 30,000 cosplayers gathered at the venue over three days—no surprise, given that Bilibili is the home base of anime culture.

Before I came, my colleagues kept urging me: "You absolutely have to get photos with the cosplayers!" Unfortunately, I'm not confident in my own appearance and wasn't particularly enthusiastic about it. Mostly, I just squeezed into crowds gathered around cosplayers to soak in the atmosphere. Without further ado, here are some photos—I can't remember which cosplayer came from which booth, so just enjoy the spectacle.

The first cosplayer I photographed at BW was a rendition of a character from Goddess of Victory: Nikke. The young lady on the left had the perfect vibe. The cosplayer for Crab Account had a unique look. I finally managed to catch the 2233 mascots and the station master at the Bilibili booth—I came specifically to get more shots of 2233. The cosplayers at the Lenovo and Sony booths were astonishingly professional, as if they'd stepped straight out of a game.

The cosplayers in the 痛车 (itasha, decorated car) zone were also highlights, and the Balala the Fairies cosplayers stirred up childhood memories for countless people—I thought about getting a magic wand, but seeing that the queue was all girls, I decided to pass.

The biggest surprise came from the 归环 (Return Loop) booth, where two cosplayers were adorned so intricately that I couldn't tear my eyes away. The Delta Force booth was also distinctive, with cosplayer styling that created a stunning visual impact.

Dreams Made Tangible: A Paradise for Figure Collectors

As one of the most popular anime conventions in China, BW naturally had anime elements dialed up to the max. From figures,周边 (merchandise), ichiban kuji, gacha capsules, and cosplayers, all kinds of ACG (anime, comics, games) content were everywhere. But since I'm not familiar with most modern anime, I had to search hard for traces of "classic old series" to barely keep up with this otaku train.

I spotted EVA right away—my most familiar IP. The Evangelion booth featured a massive EVA Unit-01 figure that towered over the crowd. Nearby, fans were taking photos with Asuka and Rei cosplayers. It was a nostalgic moment that reminded me why I fell in love with anime in the first place.

Other notable booths included: - Genshin Impact – featuring life-sized character statues and exclusive merchandise - Honkai: Star Rail – with interactive exhibits that drew massive crowds - One Piece – celebrating the series' 25th anniversary with rare collectibles - Demon Slayer – showcasing the latest figure releases

For figure collectors, BW is paradise. Limited edition releases, convention-exclusive items, and rare prototypes were on display and available for purchase. If you're looking for anime merchandise in Shanghai, this is the place to be.

Beyond BW: Shanghai's Anime Pilgrimage Sites

EVA Unit-01 Statue: A Must-Visit for Evangelion Fans

After BW closed for the day, I made my way to the EVA Unit-01 statue located at the Xinyao Halo·Live shopping mall. This towering monument stands in silent majesty, illuminated by LED lights that change color throughout the night. It's a pilgrimage site for every Evangelion fan visiting Shanghai.

Location: Xinyao Halo·Live, near Shanghai Exhibition Center Best time to visit: Evening, when the lights create dramatic shadows

Ultraman 60th Anniversary Exhibition: A Blast from the Past

The Ultraman 60th Anniversary Exhibition at New World City is a must-see for tokusatsu fans. Featuring rare film props, original costumes, and interactive displays, this exhibition celebrates six decades of the iconic hero.

Highlights: - Original Ultraman suits from the 1966 series - Monsters from the classic Showa era - Behind-the-scenes production materials - Photo opportunities with life-sized Ultraman figures

miHoYo Headquarters: A Pilgrimage for Genshin Impact Fans

The miHoYo headquarters in Shanghai offers reserved visits to its exhibition hall. Here, fans can see concept art, character models, and behind-the-scenes development materials for Genshin Impact, Honkai Impact 3rd, and Honkai: Star Rail.

Booking: Reservations are required through the official miHoYo app Location: MiHoYo Headquarters, Shanghai

Bailian ZX: The Ultimate Anime Shopping Mall

Bailian ZX is a multi-story shopping mall dedicated entirely to anime and pop culture. From figure stores to manga cafes, this is where you'll find the latest releases and rare collectibles.

What to expect: - Floor after floor of anime merchandise - Gacha capsule machines - Ichiban kuji lottery booths - Themed cafes and restaurants

FAQ: Your Shanghai Anime Pilgrimage Questions Answered

1. How do I get Bilibili World tickets?

Bilibili World tickets are notoriously difficult to obtain. The official sale typically opens 2-3 months before the event. Your best bet is to: - Follow Bilibili's official WeChat account for announcements - Use a ticket-snatching service (as I did) - Check secondary markets, but beware of scams - Consider buying multi-day passes if available

2. What's the best time to visit Shanghai for anime events?

July is the peak season for anime events in Shanghai, with Bilibili World and ChinaJoy both taking place. However, there are year-round attractions: - Spring (March-May): Pop-up stores and exhibitions - Summer (June-August): Major conventions and outdoor events - Autumn (September-November): Anime-themed festivals - Winter (December-February): Indoor exhibitions and holiday events

3. Are there English-friendly options for international visitors?

While most signage is in Chinese, many venues have English translations. Key tips: - Download translation apps like Google Translate or Baidu Translate - Use the Bilibili app's English interface for event info - Many figure stores accept international credit cards - Hotels near convention centers often have English-speaking staff

4. What should I pack for a Shanghai anime convention?

Essential items include: - Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk 20,000-30,000 steps daily) - Portable charger (you'll be taking photos and using apps) - Small backpack or "pain bag" for merchandise - Cash for smaller vendors (though most accept Alipay/WeChat Pay) - Sun protection (many queues are outdoors)

5. Can I visit all these attractions in 3 days?

Yes, but you'll need to be strategic. My itinerary worked well because I: - Grouped nearby attractions together - Used Shanghai's efficient subway system - Booked miHoYo in advance - Stayed near the National Exhibition and Convention Center

Internal Linking Suggestions

• [Link: Best anime conventions in China 2025]
• [Link: Shanghai travel guide for anime fans]
• [Link: How to get Bilibili World tickets]
• [Link: Top figure stores in Shanghai]
• [Link: EVA statue location guide]

Conclusion: Your Shanghai Anime Pilgrimage Awaits

My three-day Shanghai otaku pilgrimage was everything I dreamed of and more. From the overwhelming scale of Bilibili World 2025 to the quiet majesty of the EVA Unit-01 statue, every moment felt like stepping into a living anime.

If you're an anime fan in China or planning a trip from abroad, Shanghai is undeniably the anime holy land you need to visit. The city has transformed itself into a paradise where reality and fiction blend seamlessly, offering experiences that no other city in China can match.

Ready to plan your own Shanghai anime pilgrimage? Start by marking your calendar for July 2026, when the next Bilibili World will take place. In the meantime, explore Shanghai's year-round anime attractions—from the miHoYo headquarters to the Ultraman exhibition. Your adventure awaits!

Share this guide with fellow otaku friends and start planning your trip today!

Have you visited Shanghai's anime attractions? Share your experiences in the comments below!