Prepare to be spellbound as Shanghai transforms into a mesmerizing, glowing city during the Lantern Festival.

The Lantern Festival is a time-honored Chinese holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the lunar New Year, which falls on Feb 24 this year. It also marks the grand finale of Chinese New Year festivities.

Yuyuan Garden Lantern Show

A photo captures the Yuyuan Garden’s lights. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

The annual Yuyuan Garden Lantern Show, from Jan 21 to Feb 29, is a national intangible cultural heritage since 2008. This year is the 29th edition and highlights the dragon theme with thousands of lanterns.

From now through Feb 21, admission is available in various time slots from 2 pm to 10 pm. From Feb 22 to 25, entry times are from 10 am to 10 pm in different time slots. Tickets are required.

It is recommended to purchase advance tickets online. For a more comfortable experience, it is advisable to visit during the daytime.

Entry is free from Feb 26 to 29.

Dates: Through Feb 29 (Timed ticket entry - Feb 10 to 25)

Venue: Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai

 

Xinzhuang Lantern Fair

Dragon-themed lanterns are displayed at the Xinzhuang Lantern Fair in Shanghai. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

The Xinzhuang fair showcases various dragon-themed lanterns, which tell the story of the creation of the dragon totem, inspired by Fuxi, a legendary ancestor of China. This year, the festival features themed lanterns placed in key areas for easy public access and enjoyment.

The fair will light up every night at 6 pm through Feb 26.

Dates: Through Feb 26, 6 pm – 9 pm

Venue: Xinzhuang town, Minhang district, Shanghai

 

Luodian Spring Lantern Fair

Colorful lanterns are displayed at the Luodian Spring Lantern Fair. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

The Luodian Spring Lantern Fair consists of lantern displays, interactive performances, and a New Year fair, spanning various blocks that will illuminate the old and new towns.

Dates: Through Feb 25, 5 pm – 10 pm

Venue: Luodian Ancient Town, Baoshan district, Shanghai

 

Qingxi Old Street Lantern Fair

Colorful lanterns are displayed on Qingxi Old Street in Shanghai. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

This year's fair showcases both dragon-themed lanterns and traditional cultural activities. The street is adorned with captivating displays, each with its own distinct theme and character.

Dates: Through Feb 29, 6 pm – 9:30 pm

Venue: Qingxi Old Street, Qingcun town, Fengxian district, Shanghai

 

Shanghai Disney Resort

Disney characters don new attire to celebrate the Year of the Dragon at Shanghai Disney Resort. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

At Shanghai Disney Resort, the festive spirit of Chinese New Year is brought to life with vibrant red lanterns and enchanting decorations. Disney characters don new attire to celebrate the Year of the Dragon.

The nighttime show "New Year Celebration: Your Home" at Shanghai Disney Resort. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Enjoy the magic as the beloved nighttime show "New Year Celebration: Your Home" makes a triumphant return to Shanghai Disney Resort. Immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere enhanced by the traditional lion dance, bringing forth an abundance of fun and auspiciousness!

Dates: Through Feb 24

 

Oriental Pearl Tower

A 22-meter-long lantern installation is at the City Square of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Visit the City Square of the Oriental Pearl Tower and enjoy free access to a stunning 22-meter-long lantern installation through Feb 24.

Dragon Fatty's Spring Festival Party is seen at the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Furthermore, through Feb 25, the Oriental Pearl Tower, in collaboration with Tencent Games, presents Dragon Fatty’s Spring Festival Party at the Oriental Pearl Tower. This event offers visitors an immersive and digital experience to enhance their festive celebration.

 

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park

A fireworks show at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

From Feb 23 to 25, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park will showcase a breathtaking fireworks extravaganza. Witness the spectacle as 1,000 drones come together to form an enormous 3D flying dragon. The display will be enhanced with captivating elements such as "Datiehua" (iron flower), an intangible cultural heritage, and a mesmerizing water light show.

1,000 drones form an enormous 3D flying dragon at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

"Datiehua" (iron flower), an intangible cultural heritage, is seen at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Dates: Feb 23-25

 

Shanghai Happy Valley

Tourists enjoy rides at Shanghai Happy Valley. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Experience a rich tapestry of traditional Chinese activities at Shanghai Happy Valley, a popular theme park in Shanghai, from now through Feb 29. Enjoy captivating dragon dances, a mesmerizing dragon lantern show, a lively dragon parade, and rhythmic drum music.

Dates: Through Feb 29

A lantern show at Shanghai Happy Valley. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

 

Jinjiang Paradise

Red lanterns illuminate Jinjiang Paradise in Shanghai. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Embark on a festive journey at Jinjiang Paradise, Shanghai's amusement park, where lantern shows, traditional Chinese dances, and a spectacular grand parade take place.

Dates: Through Feb 25

A dragon lantern at Jinjiang Paradise in Shanghai. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

 

Shanghai Film Park

A New Year scene of old Shanghai at Shanghai Film Park. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Experience the charm of the Spring Festival at Shanghai Film Park as it beautifully recreates the nostalgic New Year scenes of old Shanghai. Immerse yourself in the lively ambiance of a traditional gathering, captivating lantern shows, and engaging performances including vibrant dragon and lion dances, and the mesmerizing artistry of striking iron flowers.

Dates: Through Feb 24

A dragon-shaped lantern at Shanghai Film Park. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

 

Shanghai Shimao Elf City Theme Park

Tourists can take photos with Smurfs at Shanghai Shimao Elf City Theme Park. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Step into China's inaugural Smurfs-themed park developed by Shimao Group, and upon entry, receive a limited-edition Smurfs envelope (first come, first served). Capture enchanting moments with close-up photos alongside Smurfs and participate in hanging a card on a blue tree to invoke good luck.

Dates: Through Feb 29

Tourists hang cards on a blue tree to pray for good luck at Shanghai Shimao Elf City Theme Park. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

 

Guyi Garden

Lanterns on display at Guyi Garden in Shanghai. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Guyi Garden, a classical Chinese garden in Shanghai's Jiading district, invites visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting ambiance of its Spring Festival celebration. Delight in a special lantern show highlighting the "Twelve Flower Gods" adorned with lanterns depicting the flower gods of the four seasons.

Dates: Through Feb 25

 

Sheshan National Forest Park

Lantern riddles displayed at Sheshan National Forest Park. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

On Lantern Festival day, visitors are invited to the West Visitors' Center at Sheshan National Forest Park to engage in lantern riddles. Correct answers can be traded for commemorative gifts, limited to one per person and available on a first come, first-served basis.

Date: Feb 24

 

Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park

A market at Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Explore the festive offerings at Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park, featuring festive photo spots for capturing moments, daily scheduled lantern riddle sessions, and a vibrant Lantern Festival market.

Dates: Feb 23-25

 

Shanghai Botanical Garden

Bonsai landscapes at Shanghai Botanical Garden. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Celebrate the Lantern Festival at Shanghai Botanical Garden with an engaging event featuring potted landscapes and lantern riddle-guessing. Immerse yourself in the charm of graceful bonsai trees and decipher riddles, providing a delightful way to explore fascinating plant knowledge.

Dates: Feb 24-25

Source: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism