Ten years after the world’s first Earth Hour in Sydney put climate change in the spotlight, World Wildlife Fund’s landmark movement is set to once again unite millions of people around the globe to shine a light on climate action. In response to Earth Hour 2017’s worldwide campaign and to show the actions that we are taking to reduce our environmental impact, Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo, organized a pre-event social media campaign for recruiting Go Green Representative Couples, which was a big hit, with over 100,000 social media clicks and more than 100 couples registered for the event. 

Beginning at 2pm, those soon-to-be couples gathered at the starting line at 1844 Square and Rihu Square on 25 March 2017. Once the race started, they hurried to different landmarks to complete missions by ways of green commuting, including walking, riding MOBIKE and taking the city metro. In addition to taking on tough physical and mental challenges, our green ambassadors soaked up the fresh air and promoted a low-carbon lifestyle along the way. With the beautiful backdrop of the confluence of the three rivers, brides and grooms made their way to the Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo, hand in hand. Sumptuous prizes that were especially created for upcoming weddings, such as wedding banquet benefits, photo and video shoot vouchers, and plane tickets and hotel room vouchers for Shangri-La honeymoons in Paris, London and Singapore, could be won by the fast lovers. “It was the most fun I ever had running.”, one of the participants said, “It felt good to be able to give back to the community and have fun with the one I loved at the same time.” 

“We live for love here in Ningbo and couldn’t think of a more fabulous way to celebrate this than by gathering couples together to run for love!”, said Mr. James Xi, the General Manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo, “We have for many years produced creative and fun events that the city talks about and hope these types of events may inspire more people to consume wisely to help sustain the earth and change their lifestyles to be more healthy and greener.” 

After reaching the destination, the brides, all dressed up in the wedding gowns, and the grooms, all in the suits from Bellavita, gathered at the lobby of Shangri-la Hotel, Ningbo, to join the MOBIKE Love Riding Game and enjoy a themed cocktail reception. “We are so excited to be supporting Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo’s Go Green Campaign.”, said Ms. Jiang, the founder of Bellavita and Levanto Taipei, “Every bride has a desire to wear a princess-style wedding dress on her wedding day, and today, we have created an example by using this dream for a social cause. It’s a cause that is quite close to our hearts, and with everyone’s support, we can make a difference in our lifestyles.”

Apart from the daytime event, this Earth Hour, Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo, also switched off non-essential lighting throughout the hotel from 8.30pm -9.30pm and hosted an unplugged live concert at The Lobby Lounge to get loud about action on climate change. Two live student bands were invited to share their love for the planet and resolve to fight climate change with their music. A hundred in-house guests and fifteen members of the media joined the celebration to show their commitment to making positive contributions to keeping the earth sustainable.