A total of 88 free outdoor shows will take place during the upcoming 18th China Shanghai International Arts Festival. Since this year marks the 400th anniversary of the deaths of two literary greats, this year's event will include a 12 hour celebration to commemorate them!

The outdoor shows will be staged at major outdoor spaces such as Zhongshan Park and Century Square along East Nanjing Road Between October 12th and November 15th. Organizers say over half of the performance groups are from overseas.

"Many well-known artists, such as conductor Charles Dutoit of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, will perform outdoors," said Li Ming, deputy director of SH Int'l Arts Festival.

The outdoor shows will be staged at major outdoor spaces such as Zhongshan Park and Century Square along East Nanjing Road Between October 12th and November 15th.

In order to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the deaths of playwright William Shakespeare and poet Tang Xianzu, Huangpu District will stage a 12-hour non-stop celebration.

"For the first time, we will have the 12-hour celebration on October 23rd at Shanghai Concert Hall. It will combine 23 outdoor and indoor shows. For the indoor shows, you can book tickets on the festival's official website," said Xu Yanqin, director of Huangpu Culture Bureau.

Organizers say free tickets for the 88 outdoor shows can also be reserved on the festival's official website. Another 50 indoor performances and 5 exhibitions will also be staged although tickets for these need to be purchased.