Winter is a season full of charm, especially for international students coming from warmer regions. Let's explore the beauty and joy of winter in Shanghai.

Scenery

Although heavy snow is a rare sight, Shanghai is often enveloped in a soft mist, which gives the city a dreamy and magical atmosphere. The historic buildings along the Bund, the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui, and the serene landscapes of Yuyuan Garden all radiate a tranquil beauty under the winter light.

Activities

Shanghai offers a wide variety of winter activities. Experiencing ice skating at the world's largest indoor skiing resort, visiting the Shanghai Disney Resort while it's decked out in holiday decor, and exploring the city's numerous museums and art galleries are all popular winter pastimes. Additionally, the annual Shanghai International Winter Festival at Sinar Mas Plaza offers over 50 ice-and-snow-themed events, providing perfect opportunities to create unforgettable moments with friends and family.

Delicacies

Winter in Shanghai is also a time to partake in delicious food. Steaming hot pot, fragrant roasted sweet potatoes, and warm hot chocolate are all popular winter delicacies. Hot pot not only warms you up but creates a sense of togetherness as friends and family sit around the pot of simmering broth. Shanghai's traditional winter dishes, such as hongshaorou (braised pork belly) and niangao (sticky rice cakes), are must-tries for anyone looking to experience local flavors.

Festivals

Winter Solstice, one of the 24 solar terms, is traditionally celebrated in Shanghai by eating tangyuan (a round dessert made of glutinous rice powder), which symbolizes family reunion and harmony.

Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is the most significant traditional festival in China, marked by family gatherings and the welcoming of the new year. During this festive period, people decorate their homes with red lanterns and couplets, prepare sumptuous meals, and wish each other good fortune.

Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival in Shanghai is a must-see spectacle when celebrating the New Year. It features intricate lantern displays, a variety of cultural performances, and traditional snacks, inviting exploration and enjoyment.

Vocabulary：

摩天大楼

mó tiān dà lóu

skyscrapers

滑冰

huá bīng

ice skating

博物馆

bó wù guǎn

museum

火锅

huǒ guō

hot pot

上海的冬天很少下雪。

shàng hǎi de dōng tiān hěn shǎo xià xuě

It rarely snows in Shanghai during winter.

春节是中国最盛大的传统节日。

chūn jié shì zhōng guó zuì shèng dà de chuán tǒng jié rì

Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival in China.