Spending Chinese New Year in Shanghai? Many top shopping destinations in the city now offer a "refund-upon-purchase" service, enabling overseas visitors to get their value-added tax, or VAT, refunds instantly at the checkout. Paired with seasonal displays, pop-up shops, and holiday deals, these shopping areas deliver both ease and a festive atmosphere. Below are some key spots around the city.

 

Bicester Village Shanghai

Address: No 88 East Shendi Road, Pudong New Area

Overseas visitors can receive an instant 9 percent VAT refund at participating stores. From now through Jan 3, 2027, shoppers who meet the single-transaction spending threshold can take part in a weekly gold bar prize draw, adding extra appeal to outlet shopping. In addition, through Feb 5, same-day qualifying purchases are rewarded with Chinese New Year red envelopes and other gift sets.

 

New One

Address: No 228 East Nanjing Road, Huangpu district

The mall's Chinese New Year lucky bags will be launched on Feb 7, featuring a wide selection of items, including international beauty brands, sports and lifestyle products, home appliances, and holiday gift boxes. Prices start at 99 yuan (about $14.27).

 

Gate M West Bund Dream Center

Address: No 2266 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui district

Eligible overseas visitors can receive an instant 9 percent VAT refund, and passport holders may collect a complimentary Year of the Horse-themed souvenir at the customer service counter. On weekends, the mall presents rotating cultural programs, including traditional costume parades and shadow puppet performances.

 

Cloud Nine

Address: No 1018 Changning Road, Changning district

A Chinese New Year market features festive foods and seasonal goods, along with interactive activities hosted by staff members in themed costumes. Participants may receive no-minimum-spend dining vouchers as rewards. Visitors who present valid tickets or purchase records for performances, sporting events, tourist attractions, or Cloud Nine travel packages can also enjoy 12 percent off dining at selected restaurants.

 

Taikoo Li Qiantan

Address: Nos 1-9 Alley 500, Dongyu Road, Pudong New Area

During this Chinese New Year, Twinkle Twinkle, a popular character from Pop Mart, takes center stage in public installations. These include the bridge on the third floor, the sky loop on the fourth floor, and areas above the Pop Mart store on the first floor. Star- and heart-shaped decorations appear throughout the commercial complex to create a walkable, immersive festive setting.

 

IFC Mall

Address: No 8 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area

The mall, in partnership with Prada, features a captivating Year of the Horse installation in its outdoor plaza. The main attraction is a striking red horse sculpture made of numerous geometric triangles, combining minimalist design with festive symbolism. Positioned against the Lujiazui skyline, this installation has established itself as one of the area's most iconic seasonal landmarks.

 

No 1 Department Store

Address: No 830 East Nanjing Road, Huangpu district

No 1 Department Store on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street presents a large lantern installation made for the Year of the Horse. It features a leaping horse on top, with a floral and star-themed walkway underneath, merging traditional lantern making with modern lighting design. Set against the busy backdrop of Shanghai's main commercial street, this installation stands out as the main attraction of the seasonal display.

 

Xintiandi

Address: No 159 Madang Road, Huangpu district

Xintiandi refreshes its streetscape with a limited-edition Chinese New Year look. The centerpiece installation, created by Malaysian artist Brindha Kumar, is inspired by winged horses depicted in Dunhuang murals. Throughout the Shikumen lanes, additional brand-led installations, lanterns, and floral displays contribute to a warm, highly photogenic holiday atmosphere.

 

Bund Finance Center

Address: No 600 East Zhongshan Road Number Two, Huangpu district

As part of the broader Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival, BFC partners with Pop Mart to present a themed holiday experience. Characters dressed in Year of the Horse outfits illuminate a light trail that guides visitors from Renmin Road to the mall. A pop-up store offers limited-edition merchandise, and visitors who complete designated photo tasks can enter prize draws.

 

IAPM Mall

Address: No 999 Middle Huaihai Road, Xuhui district

Running through Feb 26, the mall's central atrium features a Lego-themed pop-up store. Visitors can take festive photos, build and race Lego vehicles, and complete interactive challenges. Those who complete selected tasks may receive surprise gifts.

 

Tian'an 1000 Trees

Address: No 600 Moganshan Road, Putuo district

The exhibition China in Poetry unfolds across three sections under the theme "history, landscape, and humanity". Alongside the main displays, interactive poetry gatherings invite visitors to engage with classical Chinese literature in a walk-through format. The exhibition runs through Feb 23, and limited-time group-buying vouchers are available across multiple platforms for Chinese New Year shopping.

 

Jing An Kerry Centre

Address: No 1515 West Nanjing Road, Jing'an district

Starting Jan 31, the mall has launched four consecutive weeks of Chinese New Year promotions. Every Saturday, shoppers earn double reward points, and same-day cumulative spending can be exchanged for shopping vouchers. Purchases over 5,000 yuan qualify for a Year of the Horse red envelope, a traditional red packet used during the holiday season.

 

HKRI Taikoo Hui

Address: No 789 West Nanjing Road, Jing'an district

Through Feb 14, mall members (registered shoppers enrolled in the mall's loyalty program) who reach spending thresholds and earn points in one day will receive exclusive gifts. From Feb 14 to 17, all purchases will earn double points. Additional activities include calligraphy couplet workshops on Feb 6 and 7, and live performances by Wow Stage from Feb 14 to 23.

 

Plaza 66

Address: No 1266 West Nanjing Road, Jing'an district

From Feb 15 to 23, enjoy triple reward points on dining purchases for a limited period. Shoppers who meet specific same-day spending targets will unlock corresponding gifts, and visitors to Shanghai may earn extra rewards with qualifying purchases. Through March 3, participating in designated in-mall activities will earn a Chinese New Year calendar.

 

Grand Gateway 66

Address: No 1 Hongqiao Road, Xuhui district

Between Feb 7 and 8, shoppers who reach single-transaction thresholds at selected brands can earn five times reward points and receive a 50-yuan dining voucher. Through Feb 23, eligible customers can unlock extra festive gifts, and new members who register can receive a welcome gift with same-day purchases.

 

🌟 Note on the 9 percent instant tax refund

All of the malls and shopping areas listed above are equipped with tax refund counters, allowing eligible overseas visitors to receive instant VAT refunds on purchases made at participating stores within the same mall or complex.

The "9 percent instant refund" is calculated as follows:

• Actual refund amount = invoice amount (VAT included) × [refund rate (11%) − service fee (2%)]

The refund rate varies by product category and is either 11 percent or 8 percent. Visitors should check the specific details at in-mall tax refund counters.

In addition, If the total purchase amount exceeds 222,200 yuan, any amount above this limit must be refunded through the standard departure tax refund process.

 

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, Shanghai Municipal Tax Service of the State Taxation Administration, and the venues mentioned above