Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park invited a world-class mermaid performer from South Korea, whose enchanting underwater performance mesmerized audiences.
Seolhwa Hong, commonly known by her stage name Sera, used to be a dancer, but became a mermaid performer due to an injury. She returned to Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park after winning the first place in the international players' group at this year's China Mermaid Open and International Mermaid Competition held at the park.
"I was a dancer, but I suddenly got an accident, so I couldn't dance again. So, because I broke my leg. After that, I met the mermaiding. I don't feel painful in my knee. That's why I really like mermaiding," said Sera.
Sera said that she recorded a song for her performance, as she is also a singer. She has been performing mermaid show for about two years. She is happy to be back because, unlike the competition, which focused more on showcasing skills, this time she had the chance to interact more with visitors.
"I worked before in the 63 Aquarium a little bit. There was not a Korean mermaid before. I was the beginner as a Korean mermaid. Now I'm developing students, educating the underwater dance, mermaiding and prepare athletes for the competition. When there is a chance to perform, I always go there," said Sera.
She brought a team of mermaids and merman with her to Shanghai, some of whom are her students.
She said two years ago, many people didn't know what is mermaid performing, but now it's getting famous. So many performers joined the industry.
The park offers six mermaid shows each weekend through August 25, featuring mermaids and mermen from around the world.
World-class mermaid performance staged at Shanghai's ocean park
As China's elderly population grows, shopping malls in Shanghai have actively adapted part of their services to cater to the needs and preferences of elderly consumers, tapping into silver-haired consumer market.
This trend reflects the city's efforts to enhance elderly care services amid the population aging. By the end of 2023, people aged 60 and older reached 5.68 million in Shanghai, representing a whopping 37.4 percent of the city's total population.
A shopping mall on the downtown Nanjing East Road pedestrian street has opened a dedicated club for senior citizens, offering a diverse range of activities from the operation of health workshops to traditional handicraft classes.
"I gain a lot every time I come here. I can participate in various club activities and also exchange knowledge and everyday life hacks with others," said Fu Meilin, an elderly resident.
The mall houses nearly 60 time-honored brands, along with dining and entertainment options suited to senior citizens.
Another business district in Shanghai's Putuo District has adopted a different approach, focusing on attracting retirees during weekdays while catering to younger shoppers on weekends.
Restaurants offer affordable off-peak meal deals priced under 100 yuan (about 13.88 U.S. dollars), attracting a large number of senior customers.
To ensure a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience for the elderly, many shopping malls have conducted age-friendly renovations, including providing comfortable seating areas, accessible restrooms, and consumer guidance services for the elderly shoppers.
Driven by the population aging, China's "silver economy" has shown vast growth potential, with the market currently estimated at around seven trillion yuan and projected to reach a 30 trillion yuan by 2035.
Shopping malls in Shanghai adapt to cater to growing 'silver economy'
