Farewell to the old, welcome the new! 🎆
As the seasons change and everything renews, the Shanghai "Cross-Year Welcoming Season" has officially launched! With warmth and anticipation, Shanghai invites friends from all over the world to gather in this vibrant city. Come and experience the unique charm and urban warmth of "Celebrating the New Year in Shanghai," where tradition meets modernity.
🗓️ Duration: Now until March 3, 2026
🎉 Key Moments: New Year's Day, Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), and Lantern Festival.
🌟 PART 1: The Ultimate Holiday Guide
8 Major Themes to Unlock the "Shanghai New Year" 🗝️
Starting now, hundreds of special events are rolling out across the city. Here is your panoramic guide to the festivities:
1️⃣ The First Trip of the New Year: A Feast of Light 🌃
Baoshan Riverside: On Dec 31st, watch a spectacular dance of drones and fireworks.
Dishui Lake: Enjoy a free, 360-degree unobstructed view of the fireworks.
Disney Resort: Experience "Magical Snowy Moments" and winter projection shows.
Xuhui Riverside: A dreamy combination of river views and ice skating to capture your first beautiful memory of the year.
2️⃣ The First Run: Waking Up the City 🏃♂️
16 Running Events: Covering 11 districts.
Highlights: "Climbing for Blessings" at the Oriental Pearl Tower, chasing the first ray of sunshine at Jinshan City Beach, or joining the "Run the Track" at the F1 Circuit followed by a New Year's breakfast.
3️⃣ Ancient Towns & Lantern Festivals: Jiangnan Charm 🏮
Where: 20+ ancient towns across 9 districts.
What: Experience Intangible Cultural Heritage and folk customs. Don't miss the dazzling lanterns in Xinzhuang, the "Dragon Dance" in Zhujiajiao, and the "Ten-锦 Gongs and Drums" in Sijing.
4️⃣ Global Classics: A Stage for the World 🎭
Musicals & Theater: The Grand Theatre Arts Center presents "See Musicals in Shanghai."
Opera: The "Beijing & Kunqu Opera Gathering."
Comedy: International Comedy Festival highlights.
Western and Chinese arts pulse together in the heart of Shanghai.
5️⃣ Grand Exhibitions: A Cultural Pilgrimage 🏛️
Must-Sees: The Shanghai Biennale at the Power Station of Art, the Bronze Exhibition at the Shanghai Museum, and the "Louvre" and "Picasso" exhibitions at the Museum of Art Pudong (MAP).
6️⃣ Film & TV Season: Time Travel Stories 🎬
Shanghai Film Park: Recreating classic scenes from the hit series Blossoms Shanghai (Fan Hua). Join the immersive drama New World and blur the lines between reality and fiction.
7️⃣ National Style Carnival 🎮
MiHoYo: The "Genshin Impact Carnival" returns to give back to global fans.
8️⃣ Spring Floral Season 🌸
Fengxian Bay National Forest Park: The Plum Blossom Festival brings you the earliest news of spring.
🛍️ PART 2: Shop & Dine in Shanghai
"Buy in China" New Year Consumption Season 🎁
Coinciding with the national "Buy in China" campaign, Shanghai launches a massive shopping season lasting until early March 2026!
🐴 Theme 1: Hunting for Horses in Shopping Districts
Join the "Seeking Horses, Sending Blessings" activity!
The Vibe: Giant horse installations, pop-up markets, and snow parks in major malls like Lujiazui, Nanjing Road, and Xujiahui.
The Loot: Collect "Horse" stamps/points to win blind boxes, gift cards, and exclusive "Year of the Horse" merchandise.
Highlights: My Little Pony installations, giant horses at IFC, and the "Flying Horse" market by Poizon (Dewu).
🍽️ Theme 2: Global Gastronomy
January: Italian Food & Wine Carnival 🇮🇹
February: Greek Food Market 🇬🇷
March: Spanish Food & Wine Festival 🇪🇸
Spring Festival: Enjoy "Reunion Dinners" featuring distinct flavors from around the world.
♻️ Theme 3: Product Renewal
Big discounts on trading in old consumer goods for new ones, featuring the latest annual product releases.
✈️ Theme 4: Inbound Tourist Specials
Gifts: Tax refund gifts (1% of sales) at major banks.
Discounts: Use foreign cards (UnionPay) to get 20% off (up to a limit) on purchases over 100 RMB.
Experience: Try Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) culture and wellness products at designated tax-free shops.
🧧 Theme 5: Time-Honored New Year Goods
Bring Old Brands Home: Pre-made reunion dinners and semi-finished holiday feast kits.
Gifts: Limited edition "Year of the Horse" gift boxes from Shanghai's legendary brands, available in-store and on platforms like Douyin and Taobao.
🌙 Theme 6: Nightlife & Light Shows
Zhangyuan: Watch the VR musical film Shake It, 1995.
West Bund Dream Center: Skate at the city's largest outdoor ice rink.
Yuyuan Garden: The classic Lantern Festival light show upgrades to a "Cultural Feast."
📋 Custom Lists for Everyone
To make your trip easier, we are releasing 5 customized lists:
China-Chic List (For Gen Z)
Kids & Family List (For parents)
Romance List (For couples)
Reunion List (For seniors)
Local Experience List (For inbound travelers)
📺 Stay Tuned: Check out the "See Orient" (Kan Dongfang) platform starting Jan 1st for the "Non-stop New Year" live stream!
2026 Year of the Horse in Shanghai:
A blend of authentic "Chinese New Year" warmth and a "Global Feast."
We sincerely invite you to bring your family and friends to join this grand celebration!
📍 See you in Shanghai! 👋
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