Chongming Island, a natural gem of Shanghai, presents a unique tranquility and poetic beauty as winter sets in. Its delicious food, picturesque landscape, and diverse accommodation options are set to bring you a refreshing New Year experience.

• Scenic views

Scent of flowers

With Chinese New Year approaching, the Chongming narcissus, one of the iconic flowers for Spring Festival, is now in bloom. Its rich fragrance and long blooming period mark the festive season. So why not kick off the New Year by buying a pot of Chongming narcissus?

Additionally, the delicate fragrance of wintersweet brightens the entire season. At the Gaojiazhuang Ecological Park in Chongming, the wintersweet flowers, tender yellow in color, are breathtaking against the blue sky, leaving a lingering, subtle scent of winter.

Bird watching

From November to March, flocks of migratory birds from the south visit Chongming's Dongtan wetland, making the place lively during the quiet winter months. After staying for several months, they embark on their journey to the north.

Admiring water cedars trees

Water cedars trees are at their most beautiful in winter. In Dongping National Forest Park, you can ride a bike or take a leisurely stroll through the water cedar forest, experiencing the romantic atmosphere unique to winter. The park also features peacock displays and animal feeding opportunities, offering a great place to enjoy beautiful scenery while spending quality time with your family.

• Food

Strawberry picking

The bright red color of strawberries goes perfectly with the festive New Year atmosphere, symbolizing prosperity. At the strawberry farm in Changxing Island's country park, you can enjoy nature and pick strawberries with your family.

Eating lamb

Lamb is a traditional food in winter. Chongming's white goat can be cooked into a delicious, red-braised lamb dish in a savory sauce, warm lamb soup, or tender white-cut lamb, making it perfect for a winter feast.

Fish soup

A full fish banquet at Mingzhu Lake Resort is another great choice when visiting Chongming Island. When a large pot of fish soup is placed on the table and the lid is lifted, letting out the steam, the warm atmosphere and hearty, comforting meal embody the coziness of winter.

Tasting pastries

Chongming's pastries take center stage as Chinese New Year approaches. Chongming Cakes, Chongming Round Dumplings, and Glutinous Rice Balls and Osmanthus in Fermented Rice Wine evoke childhood memories and are essential to New Year celebrations. When visiting Chongming, don't forget to bring home some sweet treats for your family to enjoy.

• Accommodations

Homestay

Each of over 1,000 homestays in Chongming offers its own unique features. During winter, many homestay owners hold special New Year activities, such as local tours, DIY projects for families, performances, and fireworks.

Hotels

Hotels in Chongming are continuously improving in their full range of services, including afternoon tea sets, room discounts, and various events. Activities such as New Year celebrations, stargazing events, and pet-themed events will make your stay full of surprises.

• Enjoyment

Coffee culture

Chongming has been seeing an increase in the number of interesting coffee shops. One standout is a cafe in the rice field, where you can relax and enjoy the views. Other spots, such as the 515 Cafe with its strong rice culture, and the SeeU Cafe in a library, offer unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.

Intangible cultural heritage

Intangible cultural heritage represents the unique culture and history of Chongming. Take the opportunity during the New Year holidays to visit the Jiangnan Sanmin Cultural Village in Chongming to learn about handcrafting with local cloth or enjoy traditional performances such as Yingzhou ancient tunes and bamboo pole opera to deepen your understanding of the local culture.

Shopping guide

Shopping is one of the most popular activities of the Chinese New Year, and visiting the local markets in Chongming is a must. Explore the vibrant shops on the first floor of the Chongming Wanda Plaza or at the Shou'an Temple and Jin'ao Mountain Scenic Area. The festive atmosphere of these markets will greatly enliven your New Year.

Source: Chongming District Administration of Culture and Tourism