Shanghai is preparing a wide array of cultural delights for everyone to enjoy as the Chinese New Year of the Loong (or Chinese dragon) approaches. Check out some of the highlights:

1. Artworks by Lin Fengmian and Wu Guanzhong

Open: Jan 27 - May 5

Address: China Art Museum, Pudong New Area

Delve into the pioneering works of Lin Fengmian and Wu Guanzhong, early innovators in the transformation and modernization of Chinese painting art. This expansive exhibition marks the first large-scale showcasing of these two influential artists, highlighting their remarkable artistic achievements both domestically and internationally.

An enchanting poster for the exhibition. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

2. The Annual Exhibition of Shanghai Oil Painting & Sculpture Institute

Open: Jan 26 - Feb 29

Address: Shanghai Oil-painting and Sculpture Institute, Changning district.

Immerse yourself in the diverse creations of the oil painting studio, sculpture studio and theoretical laboratory – showcasing the accomplishments of researchers' creative endeavors and research projects.

A poster for the exhibition.[Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

3. Longing for Spring

Open: Jan 26 - March 31

Address: Shanghai Museum, Huangpu district

Experience an exhibition at the Shanghai Museum featuring eight exquisite pieces with the Loong – or Chinese dragon – element. These include previously unseen collections alongside renowned artworks, capturing the essence of the season.

A poster for the exhibition.[Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

4. New Year woodblock prints exhibition

Open: Until March 10

Address: Shanghai Luxun Museum, Hongkou district

Co-organized by the Shanghai Luxun Museum and the China Printing Museum, this exhibition presents 66 unique New Year woodblock prints, a distinctive form of Chinese folk art.

A poster for the exhibition.[Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

5. Highlights from Japanese Collection of Royal Ontario Museum

Open: Jan 28 - April 7

Address: World Expo Museum, Huangpu district

Journey through time and culture as this exhibition unveils 85 pieces/sets of artifacts from the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada, offering a glimpse into the aesthetics of life during Japan's Edo period. Delve into the craftsmanship of traditional objects – including tea ware, lacquer ware and other exhibits – showcasing the seamless aesthetic integration of Eastern culture.

A poster for the exhibition.[Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitourism]

6. Chinese Dragon art installation

Address: Shanghai Natural History Museum, Jing'an district

To celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon, the Shanghai Natural History Museum – in collaboration with the Shanghai Art Century Gallery – has organized a series of great science-based art education activities in Shanghai.

The Chinese Loong, or Chinese dragon, art installation in front of the Shanghai Natural History Museum. [Photo/WeChat account: news_box]

One of the most popular attractions in recent exhibitions has been the Chinese Dragon art installation.

This exhibit melds the ancient Dragon motif from Chinese culture with elements of metal punk and hip-hop, symbolizing immense vitality and the spirit of resilience.

7. 2024 Shanghai Chinese Painting Academy's spring exhibition

Open: Feb 10 - March 3, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Venue: Art Museum of Shanghai Chinese Painting Academy

Address: No 197 Yueyang Road, Xuhui district

A poster for the 2024 Shanghai Chinese Painting Academy's spring exhibition. [Photo/Shanghai Chinese Painting Academy]

Immerse yourself in the splendid world of ink and paint as this exhibition showcases the extraordinary work of artists from the Shanghai Academy of Chinese Painting.

8. Handwriting collection exhibition at Pudong History Museum

Open: Jan 26 - March 3

Venue: Pudong History Museum, No 18 Wenshi Street, Huinan town, Pudong New Area

A poster for the handwriting collection exhibition. [Photo/Pudong History Museum]

Delve into a captivating exhibition featuring calligraphic works, jade, porcelain, embroidery and other artworks themed around the dragon and phoenix.

9. Lofty Mountains and Flowing Water exhibition

Open: Feb 3 - April 7 (Closed on Feb 10 - 12)

Venue: Long Museum West Bund

Address: No 3398 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui district

A poster for the Lofty Mountains and Flowing Water exhibition. [Photo/Long Museum West Bund]

This special exhibition showcases masterpieces of renowned modern Chinese painters including Ren Bonian (1840-1896) and Wu Changshuo (1844-1927), which offers visitors an opportunity to celebrate the Chinese New Year in an immersive cultural experience.

10. Nianhua exhibition at Shanghai Library

Open: Until end of March

Venue: Shanghai Library

Address: No 1555, Middle Huaihai Road, Xuhui district

A view of the nianhua exhibition at Shanghai Library. [Photo/Shanghai Library]

The ongoing exhibition at the Shanghai Library, running until the end of March, offers a captivating historical perspective on nianhua (New Year pictures or paintings).

Against the backdrop of customary visits to friends and relatives during the Chinese New Year festivities, this exhibition vividly presents the historical significance of traditional New Year paintings.

 

Sources: "shanghaitourism" WeChat account, "news_box" WeChat account