Feeling overwhelmed by Christmas? Fret not, for we are presenting you with the ultimate guide to celebrating the festive season in Shanghai! From lush dinners to goofy jumper parties, here's a list of all the goodness to look forward to in the coming days.
Afternoon Tea
Cachet, The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi
Image courtesy of The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi
Enjoy a bounty of whimsically-shaped and delicious treats with your choice of mulled wine, coffee or tea at Cachet.
Until Dec 31, 2-5pm; RMB688 per couple + 16.6% service charge. Cachet, The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi. See event listing.
The Drawing Room
Luxuriate in The Drawing Room and cherish the tradition of tea time with a special winter twist. Enjoy coffee or TWG tea blend with decadent savories and sweets with someone special.
Until Feb 13, RMB588 per couple. The Drawing Room. See event listing.
The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi
Image courtesy of The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi
Give the gift of variety with The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi's festive hampers featuring selected gourmet gifts and homemade treats.
Dec 25, RMB1,280 net. Cachet, The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi. See event listing.
Lobby Lounge (JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Tomorrow Square)
Image courtesy of JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Tomorrow Square
Enjoy the enchanting Christmas celebrations with the festive Christmas-themed afternoon tea where the JW Marriott pastry team has outdone themselves.
Until Dec 30, 2.30-5.30pm. Lobby Lounge (JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Tomorrow Square). See event listing.
Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel & Residences
Image courtesy of Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel & Residences
Relax and treat yourself to a sumptuous afternoon tea with a full selection of Christmas goodies and drinks for a seriously cozy winter afternoon.
Until Dec 31; RMB188 net for two people incl. one pot of tea or two selected drinks. Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel & Residences. See event listings.
URBAN Café
URBAN Café & Lounge dress up afternoon tea favorites for Christmas including turkey ham and cheese brown bread sandwiches, rose lychee Santa cap, Christmas cookies, Chocolate truffle and more. Spiced hot chocolate and mulled wine are on hand to comfort you from the cold.
Until Jan 31, 2.30-5pm. URBAN Café. See event listing.
Hampers & Treats
The Drawing Room
Just because you've been to busy to plan, doesn't mean you don't appreciate your loved ones. End the heavy thinking about what gift to buy, and pamper them with an indulgent Christmas hamper from the St. Regis full of panettone, cookies, wine and other goodies. Call and book 48 hours in advance.
Until Dec 31; from RMB888. The Drawing Room. See event listing.
GREEN & SAFE
Flyer courtesy of GREEN & SAFE
This year, you can count on GREEN & SAFE for everything from gingerbread men to Australian Wagyu beef steak gift boxes. In addition to the popular storybook treat, creative cookies flavors like panettone, cocoa white chocolate, cranberry barley and red velvet are in the gift box. If something a bit more savory is in order, the steak package comes with black truffle sauce and a loaf of Christmas panettone.
Until Dec 30. From RMB99. GREEN & SAFE (all locations). See event listing
JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square
Image courtesy of JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square
360 Gourmet has prepared a sumptuous Christmas hamper with a collection of luxurious festive treats such as imported house wine, fine tea, imported marmalade and homemade delicacies for your friends and loved ones
Until Dec 31, RMB2,288. JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square. See event listing.
Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel & Residences
Image courtesy of Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel & Residences
If its Christmas goodies that you're after, the Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel & Residences has a station set up in its lobby. Try festive favorites like black forest log cakes and more handmade and imported seasonal delights.
Until Dec 25. Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel & Residences. See event listing.
Festive Feasts
Bohemia
A traditional Czech Christmas Dinner for two for just RMB598. Special three courses with two drinks. Start with salmon tartar, ham with horseradish and cream cheese. Soup course is chicken soup or cabbage soup. Main your choice of beef fillet with carrot puree asparagus and black truffle sauce, traditional fried white fish with potato salad or duck roll with dumpling and red cabbage. Dessert is hot raspberry cake with ice cream. Two drinks from red and white wine, Prosecco, mulled wine, soft drink and juice.
Dec 25, RMB598 for two. Bohemia. See event listing.
Cachet
Image courtesy of The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi
From Christmas Eve through Boxing Day, Cachet has several opportunities to enjoy a traditional European dinner buffet. On Christmas Eve dinner is RMB688, which includes unlimited mulled wine and eggnog, house wines and beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Children 6-12 years old are half price; plus they get to take photos with Santa and enjoy the Akia Christmas show. The next day, the dinner buffet is RMB488 and includes the same beverages and Santa Visit without the show. You could also visit for a lunch buffet for RMB268, including unlimited soft drinks, juice, coffee and tea. On Boxing Day, the lunch buffet is RMB288.
Dec 24-26, 11.30am-2pm lunch, 6-10pm dinner; from RMB268 + 16.6%. Cachet, The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi. See event listing.
THE CUT Steak & Fries
This casual steakhouse draws you in with its fun, family-friendly atmosphere, a signature menu featuring delicious meats, fries and easy-to-share appetizers. If that's the vibe you want this holiday, visit on December 24 or 31 for a feast. There are nori-salmon rolls with spiced honey, pressed foie gras served with smoked duck and grilled apple chutney, half a Boston lobster, M3 Australian Black Angus Tenderloin, spiced winter gravy and flaming Norwegian cherries. And, of course, a welcome cocktail.
Dec 24, 31; RMB598. THE CUT Steak & Fries. See event listing.
eat n work
The Christmas set designed by the chef at eat n work contains the restaurant's most popular specialties. For RMB788, get two appetizers of crabmeat and black tiger prawns that perfectly combine Chinese and Western cuisine elements. For RMB1,288, get 800g M5 T-bone steak.
Dec 24; from RMB788. eat n work. See event listing.
el Willy
Step away from the turkey and have a Feliz Navidad at el Willy where the masters of modern Spanish cuisine have put together a lavish holiday meal. Priced from RMB588 per person, dishes include David Hervé oysters with champagne foam, a traditional Catalan Christmas broth with meatballs and Australian striploin steak with baby potatoes and chimichurri.
Dec 24-25; RMB588. el Willy. See event listing.
Feast Signature Restaurant, Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel & Residences
Image courtesy of Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel & Residences
Over at the Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel & Residences, there are two exciting feasts on offer – Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The former is a more sumptuous spread (with a higher price point to match). That means traditional Christmas items, hairy crab, Boston lobster, free flow imported wine and more. Santa Claus will be on hand with gifts for all children, and there will be entertainment and lucky draw prizes. You even have the chance to win a Mauritius Island getaway including two round trip business class tickets from Shanghai plus two nights accommodation at The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius.
The next day celebrates with a festive dinner. With a traditional Christmas turkey and all the trimmings, chilled seafood, barbecue meats and healthy salads, you'll taste the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
Dec 24-25, 6-10pm; from RMB388 net per adult. Feast Signature Restaurant, Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel & Residences. See event listing.
Grand Hyatt Shanghai
Image courtesy of Grand Hyatt Shanghai
The eight distinctive restaurants in the hotel will offer extensive choices to create an unforgettable festive time ranging from sumptuous international delicacy feasts, Japanese all-you-can-eat menus and a tapas semi-buffet. You are also invited to enjoy the grand festive afternoon tea at Patio until January 1, with stunning views through the 33-story atrium, holiday desserts and Champagne.
They have everything from a Christmas lunch and dinner buffet featuring a variety of Chinese and Western cuisines to Japanese cuisine carefully crafted by chefs at a live-cooking station. Or, take the elevator to the top of Grand Hyatt Shanghai, where Cloud 9 tapas restaurant and bar is full of Christmas melodies and Spanish semi-buffet.
Dec 24-25; RMB338-800 + 15% service charge. Grand Hyatt Shanghai. See event listing.
Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai
Last year's Christmas buffet at Grand Kempinksi Hotel Shanghai was so popular that they are throwing two meals to remember. The first at Elements on the first floor is a whirlwind tour of global cuisine from freshly prepared sushi to chili crab; from beef wellington to dim sum. Upstairs on the second floor, they will layout a stunning festive spread across two restaurants: Acqua and Albero. In addition to the salad bar, fresh seafood station, oyster station, carving station and Asian selections, there is also a mouthwatering array of Italian and Spanish dishes from the restaurants.
Dec 24, 6-10pm. Elements, Acqua and Albero. See event listings.
Hakkasan
Image courtesy of Hakkasan
This December, Hakkasan Shanghai has a festive selection of menus and live performances. The meal opens with a playful dim sum trio – complete with snowman – and continues with more seasonal delights. The final touch is a Christmas log, made of carrot cheese parfait, cinnamon and Cointreau ice cream. Extended hours on Christmas day include brunch sets.
Until Dec 31; RMB888 dinner, RMB298 brunch. Hakkasan. See event listing.
JW's California Grill
Savor the joyful times of Christmas with fantastic 4-course set dinner in an attractive festive atmosphere, including scallop ceviche, lobster bisque, grilled Wagyu M3 tenderloin and Christmas-themed dessert. You also get a chance to try for lucky draw prizes.
Dec 24, 6-10.30pm; RMB588 person, RMB1,088 couple, RMB288 children 4-12 years old. JW's California Grill. See event listing.
The Kitchen Table
Celebrate the festive season with W Shanghai. Kick back and relax as you sip, mix and mingle. The brilliant culinary team is sure to light up your day with an electric dinner featuring everything from freshly shucked oysters to carved cuts of roasts to all the fixings.
Dec 24, 6-10.30pm; RMB1,080 net including cocktails, wine, bubbles and brews. The Kitchen Table. See event listing.
La Scala
Make it an Italian Christmas with a five-course meal at La Scala. Some of the delicious offerings include herb-crusted cod fillet, turkey breast roulade and grilled M3 Angus beef rib-eye steak.
Dec 24; RMB538. La Scala. See event listing.
Marriott Café, JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Tomorrow Square
Go all out for a memorable Christmas Eve buffet featuring oysters, hairy crabs, king crab legs, lobsters and tiger prawns. There will also be roasted turkey, honey ham and exciting lucky draw prizes.
Dec 24; RMB798 adult, RMB288 child. Marriott Café, JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Tomorrow Square. See event listing.
Mia Fringe
Mia Fringe is bringing the luxury starting with a flute of Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne followed by scampi, scallop with fresh microgreens and passion fruit sauce. Next up, black truffle poached egg with wild mushroom and mashed cauliflower. Choose from risotto with lobster bisque sauce or penne with porcini mushroom sausage and (more) black truffle before the final event – Beef Wellington. Cap of the festivities with a lovely dessert platter.
Dec 24-31; RMB988 for two people. Mia Fringe. See event listing.
Mr & Mrs Bund
At Mr & Mrs Bund, Paul Pairet's contemporary cuisine, dazzling views and an awe-inspiring Christmas tree will give your holiday a touch of French fabulousness. Every day until January 1, sharing menus from RMB888 (excluding New Year's Eve) include exceptional dishes like the côte de boeuf – one of the mouth-watering mains on the new grill and roasts selection. Other Paul Pairet signatures such as long-short rib teriyaki, jumbo shrimp in a citrus jar and lemon & lemon tart are also available.
Until Jan 1; from RMB888. Mr & Mrs Bund. See event listing.
Paulaner
Image courtesy of Paulaner Brauhaus
You can always count on Paulaner Brauhaus to spread the yuletide cheer. Starting with their homemade gluhwein (available from Dec 1 until supplies last), the season culminates with Christmas Eve dinners and parties at all Paulaner locations, from RMB198-688 per person. Whether you choose to celebrate in Puxi or Pudong, delicious meals await. Think surf and turf platters, winter vegetables, tangerine cream cake and legendary microbrewed craft beer. All four locations even have a live band.
Dec 24; RMB198-688. Paulaner Brauhaus (all locations). See event listings.
The Peninsula Shanghai
Image courtesy of The Peninsula Shanghai
They take Christmas very seriously at The Pen, and this year their busy December calendar is designed to encourage mindfulness and personal connections. ‘Stories from the Tree’-themed events such as live storytelling will also raise funds for children’s charities. There will also be bountiful brunches, celebratory cocktails and festive dinners. Purchase festive ornaments or stop by The Peninsula Boutique for a gourmet hamper. Meals from RMB388-2,888 per person.
Dec 22-26; RMB388-2,888. The Peninsula Shanghai. See event listings.
PHÉNIX eatery & bar
There are several ways to incorporate the delicious food of PHÉNIX eatery & bar into your Christmas celebrations. Executive chef Pierrick Maire and his team present 7-course and 3-course meals featuring fresh oysters, lobster thermidor, warm chestnut soup, yule log, etc. There's also Christmas day lunch on offer.
Dec 24-25; from RMB588. PHÉNIX eatery & bar. See event listings.
Polux
Polux is just the dreamy winter refuge to indulge in festive feels this season. With its cozy ambiance, cider and delicious all-day French fare served right in the heart of Xintiandi, Polux exudes Christmas magic, enough to whisk guests off to the fairy light lit cobbled streets of Paris in the wintertime. From December 24 to January 1, dinner sets start from RMB388 per person. We also recommend choosing pig's trotter, charred creamy cauliflower and rum raisin milk rice for dessert. If it's brunch you are craving, they've got that too.
Dec 24-Jan 1; from RMB388. Polux. See event listing.
Puben
Take your loved ones to beautiful South Bund Chinese restaurant, Puben for a wintery Chinese feast. The wholesome 10-course set also includes two seasonal cocktails. If mulled wine isn't your speed, mini bottles of Moet & Chandon are RMB198. Dishes include morel mushroom and sea whelk double-boiled chicken soup, cod with Yunnan preserved chives and more.
Dec 24, Jan 1; RMB750 per person. Puben by Jereme Leung. See event listing.
T'ang Court
Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant T’ang Court presents exquisite and authentic Cantonese set menus for your celebration. Choose Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to enjoy a chef special festive Chinese dinner set.
Dec 24-25, 5.30-10pm; RMB1,288 + 16.6% service charge. T'ang Court. See event listing.
Three on the Bund
Image courtesy of Three on the Bund
Three on the Bund has everything you need for Christmas dinner whether its an Italian feast at Mercato (from RMB698 per person), dim sum spread at Canton Table (from RMB788 per person) or an extravagant romantic night in The Cupola. For that last one, RMB10,000 gets you an eight-course dinner for two, one bottle of NV Perrier Jouet Grand Brut, a one-hour violin session and a floral arrangement. Slightly less posh, but no less elegant are festive meal choices at Jean-Georges (from RMB998) and Shinpaku (from RMB1,250 per couple). The later Japanese winter meal is actually available until Jan 1. Or, keep it fun and playful at POP American Brasserie with classic American bites.
Dec 24-25; RMB488-10,000 + 10% service charge. Three on the Bund. See event listing.
Social
Christmas is all about sharing, so go to Social for an unforgettable night with your friends and families for a sumptuous gala buffet feast, featuring succulent lobsters, king crabs, French oysters, sashimi as well as roasted turkey and ham. Then there's free-flow sparkling wine and beer. In addition, to the gourmet feast, guests have a chance to win lucky draw prices like a luxury hotel stay or dining vouchers.
Dec 24, 6-9.30pm; RMB888. Social. See event listing.
URBAN Café
Christmas Eve is a decadent affair at the URBAN Café, so plan for a lip-smacking spread of seafood, salad, succulent roasts, turkey with all the trimmings, roast beef, honey-glazed ham and more. Finish with log cakes and pudding, but make sure to look out for Santa who will pop-in with a gift for each child.
Dec 24, 5pm; RMB348 per person, children 6 and under free, 50% off for kids 7-12 years old. URBAN Café. See event listing.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
Start your festive journey on the right foot with a visit to the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, where they have brought back their legendary Christmas wonderland. They also have a range of seasonal menus on offer. In the lead-up, grab Christmas hamper gifts (from RMB 888 net) and recharge with festive afternoon tea at De Ville or Peacock Alley (RMB 688/two people). For the main event, choose Pelham’s, the Grand Brasserie or Wei Jing Ge for dinner.
Dec 24-25. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund. See event listing.
Westin Bund Center Shanghai
Image courtesy of Westin Bund Center Shanghai
Christmas is the time for spending time with the ones you love the most. Get into the holiday spirit and enjoy precious time with family and friends while experiencing the world's best festive cuisine. Enjoy culinary Christmas traditions from across the globe and an evening filled with delicious food and drinks, exciting live entertainment and family laughter this Christmas Eve at Westin.
On Christmas Eve, guests can look forward to an unlimited gourmet dinner with live cooking stations offering international and local specialties plus free-flow beverage package including red and white wine, cocktails, Champagne, beer juice and soft drinks (RMB998 adults, RMB368 children under 12, free for kids under 4 years old). There will also be party favors, lucky draw and visit from Santa.
Take the hassle out of Christmas Day and allow Westin to do the cooking for you. Relax and enjoy this special holiday with family and friends and spend a leisurely afternoon sipping Veuve Clicquot Champagne and indulging in all your favorite holiday foods (RMB798 adults, RMB368 children under 12, free for kids under 4 years old). Be entertained by live performances throughout the afternoon, table visits from Santa, Westin Kid’s Club festive activities, gifts and lucky draw prizes.
Dec 24-25, from RMB798-998. Prego and The Stage, Westin Bund Center Shanghai. See event listing.
YEN
Celebrate the holiday season with a curated eight-course set menu complete with dramatic views of the Pearl Tower and playful visual digital installations at signature Chinese restaurant YEN.
Dec 24-25, 5.30-10.30pm; RMB980 net incl. cocktails, wine, bubbles and brews. YEN. See event listing.
Zeitgeist Bavarian Eatery & Bar
Celebrate the winter season like a Bavarian with a festive stuffed Christmas goose. This holiday staple is served with Brussels sprouts, cinnamon red cabbage, celery mashed potatoes, napkin dumplings and apple-dark beer gravy as part of a three-course menu (along with soup and dessert). Available for a month, the only catch is that you need to order a day in advance and bring at least three friends.
Until Dec 31; RMB328. Zeitgeist Bavarian Eatery & Bar. See event listing.
Takeaway Dinners
Cachet, The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi
Image courtesy of The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi
Enjoy a traditional roast turkey complete with all the trimmings and none of the work. Side dishes include Brussels sprouts, mashed pumpkin, roast potatoes and honey-glazed carrots. And they haven't forgotten cranberry sauce or gravy. The package was RMB1,288, plus you can even add on an apple or pumpkin pie for RMB238.
Until Dec 25; RMB1,288 net. Cachet, The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi. See event listing.
The Drawing Room
The Drawing Room wants to put you and your family in the holiday spirit with a succulent turkey dinner. Of course, the feast includes gravy stuffing, roasted vegetables and pumpkin pie. All you have to do is book 72 hours in advance.
Until Dec 31; RMB1,288. The Drawing Room. See event listing.
Feast Signature Restaurant, Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel & Residences
Image courtesy of Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel & Residences
If you prefer to enjoy a delicious turkey feast in the comfort of your home, pick up your holiday favorites from Feast Signature Restaurant. Choose roasted turkey with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce (RMB996) or glazed bone-in ham with honey sauce (RMB668). Both packages include stuffing, baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, sweet corn, baby carrots, chestnuts and pumpkin. Just order 48 hours in advance, and a piping hot holiday meal will arrive at your door – with 5km.
Until Dec 31; from RMB668. Feast Signature Restaurant, Sheraton Grand Shanghai Pudong Hotel & Residences. See event listing.
Parties & Events
Agora Space
We have the best way for you to wait for Christmas! Come and spend a wonderful evening with delicious food, fun games, Christmas movies, festive music and so much more! This Thursday, December 24th at 2 pm. Join us and enjoy a whole day of holiday bliss.
Dec 24, 2pm; RMB75-288. Agora Space. See event listing. RSVP here.
Bar Rouge
Bar Rouge Shanghai presents a week-long Christmas inspired rundown of parties to celebrate the festive time in utmost style atop Bund 18 with spectacular views of Shanghai's skyline. Featuring some of the favorite events like every Thursday's famous GIRLS NIGHT OUT, with MVP, when ladies will enjoy complimentary cocktails and free manicure until 11:30pm, and throwing a fun-filled shindig with an UGLY SWEATER PARTY on Saturday 21st, Bar Rouge is turning its space into a Christmas wonderland honoring the festive season of the year.
Until Dec 26, various times; various prices. Bar Rouge. See event listings.
Blue Note Shanghai
Mr. Miss is a jazz vocal group formed by two Peking University students. Founded in 2009, They have received lots of praise from several industry seniors on TV shows such as Song of China and The Big Band. Their first album Miss.Mister, released in 2016 and has won the 28th Golden Melody Award Best Vocal Group. Their work directly inherits the tradition of Broadway music and brings soothing effects to people with friendly and humorous lyrics. Therefore, their music is also known as soothing jazz. There's also Christmas Eve special offer with unlimited drinks. Welcome to Blue Note Shanghai on Christmas Eve and enjoy the chic jazz duo to bring you wonderful and soothing music.
Dec 24, 7.30pm; RMB300-520. Blue Note Shanghai. See event listing. Tickets.
Camel Sports Bar and Kitchen
Staying in town over the festive season? Tuesday, Dec 24 will see a special Christmas Eve Quiz at The Camel. It is absolutely free to enter, and there is a RMB500 voucher up for grabs, as well as booze prizes. If all that was not enough, main meals are two for RMB100 and it is happy hour all night! It kicks off at 8pm and is all wrapped up by 10.30pm so everyone can home before Santa pays them a visit.
Dec 24, 8pm; free entry. Camel Sports Bar and Kitchen. See event listing.
Moller Villa Christmas Market
Are you staying in Shanghai for the holidays? Then here’s a Christmas event you absolutely can’t miss. For the first time, the iconic Moller Villa opens to the public for its inaugural Christmas Market, organized by AnyHelper together with Moller Villa Hotel and Shanghai International Convention & Exhibition Center.
At the first-annual Moller Villa Christmas Market, you’ll enjoy music, food, auctions, performances, craft goods, lucky draws and more. From swing dance shows to clown performances, there’s plenty of fun activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained. Don’t miss your chance to take a selfie with Santa Claus or sing Christmas carols along with live bands!
Dec 21-22, 10am-8pm; Dec 23-31, 3-8pm; RMB50-188. Moller Villa Hotel. See event listing. Tickets.
Shake
Shake has lined up two days of festive fun and excellent music, on December 24 and 25. Turn out on Christmas Eve for a soulful, supper club Christmas Eve on Maoming Lu, with live funk, soul, and holiday classics from the captivating Ms. Kokoh and the SHAKE band. If you're in the mood for some jam vibes, turn up on Christmas Day to catch the Christmas edition of Shanghai's longest-running jam session. As always, expect the unexpected! This is a great night to hear veteran musicians and up-and-coming talent perform covers, original songs, and pure improvisation on a warm sound system.
Dec 24-25, dinner and drinks from 6pm, music from 9:30pm; RMB50 (Dec 24), free entry (Dec 25). Shake. See event listing 1, 2.
[Cover image by Joan Dai for That's; source image via Pexels}
Find a comprehensive guide to buying last-minute Christmas decorations in Shanghai here.
Find a comprehensive guide for Christmas markets in Shanghai here.
Find a list of useful phrases for the Christmas season here.
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