As Chinese New Year approaches, Shanghai invites visitors to enjoy lantern displays, garden tours, local delicacies, and tax-free shopping.

 

Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival

At the Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival, visitors can admire lanterns and soak in the festive charm of Chinese New Year.

Lighting dates: Until Feb 12

Note: No lighting on Jan 28 (Chinese New Year's Eve)

Must-tries: Tea, music, and xiaolongbao: A quintessential Yuyuan Garden experience includes savoring Nanxiang xiaolongbao, or steamed buns. The Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant has been passed down for 125 years and six generations.

Restaurant: Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

Location: No 87 Yuyuan Road

Unique snacks: Try tangtuan, or glutinous rice balls, at Jiushilou Ningbo Tangyuan Shop or the dessert set at Lyubolang. Vegetarian buns at Chunfeng Songyue Restaurant are also a festive favorite.

 

Guyi Garden

Boasting five thematic zones inspired by traditional Chinese musical notes, Guyi Garden offers visitors an immersive night banquet experience. From Jan 31 to Feb 2 and on Lantern Festival, riddle-solving competitions, dragon and lion dances, shadow puppetry, and a traditional market will all be on offer.

Dates: Jan 25 to Feb 16

 

West Nanjing Road

Located in the bustling heart of Shanghai, West Nanjing Road is a hub of international fashion and sophistication. HKRI Taikoo Hui is one of the hotspots for foreign visitors, offering tax-free shopping at brands such as Rolex and Canada Goose. Nearby, JC Plaza tailors its product offerings to international consumers, allowing some visitors to complete tax refunds directly via Alipay.

 

Iconic Shanghai cuisine

◎Pork Chops and Rice Cakes

Established in 1921, Xian De Lai serves crispy, golden pork chops paired with soft rice cakes and a signature sauce.

Restaurant: Xian De Lai (Main store)

Location: No 36 South Yunnan Road

 

◎Pan-Fried Buns

Dong Tai Xiang is a century-old restaurant in Shanghai and opens 24/7. Its pan-fried buns are highly recommended.

Restaurant: Dong Tai Xiang Shanghai Dim Sum

Location: No 188 North Chongqing Road

 

◎Authentic Shanghai cuisine

Established in 1800, Ren He Guan has earned a Michelin star for four consecutive years and is a favorite when it comes to authentic Shanghai cuisine.

Restaurant: Ren He Guan

Location: No 142 Yuyuan Road

 

◎Butterfly Cracker

Butterfly Cracker is a representative dessert of Shanghai, with those offered at the Park Hotel Deli being the most popular.

Restaurant: Park Hotel

Location: No 28 Huanghe Road

 

Sources: Shanghai Morning Post, "shanghaifabu" WeChat account, Guyi Garden, Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, Huangpu District Administration of Culture and Tourism, Ren He Guan