The Double Five shopping festival, an annual shopping fiesta featuring business debuts, product launches and themed activities, will be officially launched on April 30, as part of Shanghai's efforts in building an international consumption hub, official sources said.

"In its seventh edition, this year's Double Five shopping festival runs through key consumption festivals including the May Day holiday, Mother's Day and Dragon Boat Festival (also known as Duanwu Festival)," said Shen Weihua, director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce during a news conference on Friday.

More than 100 specialized activities are scheduled to be held throughout this year's shopping festival period, which comprises the launch ceremony, 21 city-level key activities and themed activities organized by the city's 16 districts.

"Aiming to become a landmark event of the city, the Double Five shopping festival is tasked with contributing to Shanghai's efforts to build an international shopping center," said Shen.

According to Shen, through the debut of international brands, trendy domestic cosmetics, innovative design products, local tailor-made selections, IP products, high-quality imported goods and global delicacies, this year's Double Five shopping festival looks to present a high-quality, diversified, and distinctive supply system and meet the differentiated consumption requirements of local people.