Some wore scary costumes from movies like "Lord of the Rings" or painted elaborate designs on their faces. Others partied the night away on Huangpu River cruises or in the streets of Xintiandi.

　　This year, one thing was certain: Shanghai has discovered the ghoulish delight of the foreign holiday of Halloween.

　　Revelers were not satisfied with simple monster masks, opting instead for special make-up to match with bizarre costumes. Some drew spiders on pale-shade faces; others wore wigs and scarily simulated bloody eyes and bodies.

　　Although Halloween falls on October 31, Shanghai's party animals chose to celebrate with parties the night before, on Saturday night.

　　In the US, Halloween is a night when children don costumes and go door to door, shouting "Trick or treat!" in return for piles of candy. For adults everywhere - including Shanghai - the holiday has become a great excuse to dress in outlandish costumes and let loose.

　　In the newly renovated Shanghai Times Square building, a theme party attracted hundreds. A popular DJ from Canada, Clymaxxx, and the local hip-hop team Dragon Dance entertained every "ghost" at the party, all of whom could also get tattoos or body paintings.

　　In Xintiandi, a T-stage constructed on the footpath by Dot 28, became the engine of a lively grand Halloween celebration, combining fashion and fun.

　　A group of scary monsters led by the Evil Queen of "Snow White" started a parade through Xintiandi which was packed with fun seekers from home and abroad.