To celebrate the hottest day on the Chinese solar calendar—Greater Heat (大暑)—McDonald’s is bringing back its annual “Large Fries Day (大薯日),” playing on the homophone as both are pronounced “da shu” in Mandarin. This year’s campaign, themed “Fries Are All You Need,” offers seven straight days of large fries for just 7 RMB (about 0.98 USD), along with limited-edition merch and a themed pop-up that brings the potato party to life.
In Shanghai, McDonald’s transformed Julu Road into a “Large Fries Convenience Store” pop-up. The space features a “fresh potato zone” with real spuds from McDonald’s farms, educational displays about fry quality, and iconic merch from past Large Fries Day campaigns—bringing fans into an all-fries-everything world.
One of this year’s highlight items is a quirky limited-edition “Fries Status Light,” inspired by a familiar social moment: that one friend who can’t resist stealing a fry. Designed like a traffic sign, the double-sided light features two modes: “Don’t Steal Fries” and “Let’s Enjoy Fries.” Tap to switch your fry-sharing status. It’s a playful, interactive way to elevate fry-sharing moments with friends.
Behind the fries is a long-standing local effort. At the recent China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), McDonald’s and its partners celebrated 40 years of growing potatoes in China—part of the brand’s push for a greener, more sustainable supply chain.
Since 2015, McDonald’s has turned the Greater Heat / Large Fries wordplay into an annual summer tradition. The yearly event goes beyond snacks, and packed with deals, storytelling, and nostalgia. “Eat Da Shu on Da Shu Day” is now a seasonal ritual that keeps McDonald’s deeply connected to its Chinese fans.