The first Shanghai International Light Festival will take place from Sept 19 to Oct 18, showcasing the nighttime charm of the metropolis.

Consisting of more than 100 colorful events around the city, the festival will have its grand opening at the Shanghai Exhibition Center from Sept 19 to 27, when a series of eight theme events will take place, including architectural visual projection shows, the showcase of light art installations, an exhibition of lighting industry from all over the world, the launch of an urban map highlighting scenic spots with lighting design, a forum of experts in the lighting industry, the showcase of achievements of the urban lighting industries' development in Shanghai.

The architectural visual projection shows will be presented on the dome ceiling in the lobby and neoclassical-styled facade exterior of the Shanghai Exhibition Center, according to Deng Jianping, director of Shanghai Landscaping & City Appearance Administrative Bureau, who is also deputy head of the organizing committee of the festival.

Supported by CIE (International Commission on Illumination) and LUCI, the international network of cities on urban lighting, the forum will be participated by 64 internationally-renowned artists from 12 countries and regions.

More events and exhibitions will take place in 12 branch venues around the city, each highlighting its distinctive characteristic.

The festival will be giving out altogether 150,000 free tickets and people will have to make appointments with valid IDs to visit the shows. It will join hands with a series of simultaneous events and festivals around the city, to provide comprehensive services and give out admission tickets.