The annual Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival lights up Shanghai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Shanghai saw a surge in tourism during the eight-day Chinese New Year holiday, recording 17.78 million visitor arrivals, a 6.08 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism.
The city, renowned for its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, curated a diverse array of cultural and tourism offerings, attracting both domestic and international travelers seeking to experience traditional Chinese New Year celebrations with a modern twist.
Throughout the holiday period, which ran from Jan 28 to Feb 4, the city’s cultural and tourism sector, in collaboration with various districts and key enterprises, launched over 100 activities under the banner of “Meet in Shanghai @ Spring Festival 2025”.
The initiative centered around eight key themes, including “City Memories”, “Metropolitan Charm”, “Shopping Season”, and “Seaborne Splendor”. It aimed to create an immersive and festive atmosphere for visitors.
Traditional festivities took center stage, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Lantern festivals illuminated Shanghai’s skyline, with the Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival and the “Shining Shanghai” Light Up Jing’an international light show captivating visitors.
Intangible cultural heritage, including dragon and lion dances, calligraphy, and paper cutting, attracted crowds of people to places such as Fengjing Ancient Town in Jinshan district and Panlong Tiandi urban retreat in Qingpu district, which offered a glimpse into China’s rich artistic traditions.
Culinary experiences were also a hit, with over 60 hotels offering special New Year dining packages, and traditional food markets and restaurants serving up festive delicacies.
To cater to the evolving preferences of modern travelers, Shanghai enhanced its cultural and tourism offerings. Over 100 museums, art galleries, and theaters across the city hosted exhibitions and performances, drawing art enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.
Blockbuster exhibitions, such as “Masterpieces of the Pola Museum of Art: From Impressionism to Contemporary Art” at the Shanghai Museum East and “Zhen Guan Jian: Theme Exhibition of History and Culture of the Tang Dynasty” at the Minhang Museum, attracted large numbers of visitors.
The city’s iconic landmarks and theme parks also embraced the festive spirit with specially curated events. Shanghai Disney Resort hosted the “Disney Winter Frostival” and a series of traditional Chinese New Year performances, while the Oriental Pearl TV Tower collaborated with the popular IP “Fluffy Party” for a special New Year event.
Ancient towns such as Zhujiajiao, Fengjing, and Nanxiang came alive with traditional performances, craft markets, and local delicacies, offering a glimpse into Shanghai’s historical charm.
Shanghai’s parks and green spaces provided a serene escape for holiday makers. The Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden showcased a stunning display of peonies and rhododendrons, while the Shanghai Expo Culture Park hosted an Italian lifestyle exhibition and a New Year flower market.
The holiday period witnessed a surge in online and offline consumption, fueled by integrated promotions and innovative offerings. Shopping malls and commercial districts in Lujiazui, Huaihai Road, and other popular areas hosted a variety of events, including art performances, cultural exhibitions, and culinary experiences.
Online platforms such as Ctrip, Meituan-Dianping, and Alipay launched special promotions and curated thematic experiences to enhance the holiday shopping experience.
Source: Shanghai Observer
,https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Latest-WhatsNew/20250205/fa1efeb390ea4dcfb05092f569ec31f7.html