As the Year of the Horse approaches, Shanghai is transformed into a radiant dreamscape of light and tradition. From ancient water towns to fashionable downtown plazas, the city comes alive with spectacular lantern displays and festive cheer. Here's your guide to the most enchanting lantern fairs for the Chinese New Year celebration, where timeless heritage meets contemporary magic.

1. 2026 Yuyuan Lantern Festival

When: Jan 26 – March 3

Where:

• Yuyuan Garden folk art lantern zone (ticketed)
• BFC fashion & trend lantern zone (free)
• Gucheng Park lantern zone (free)
• Middle Fangbang Road lantern zone (free)
• Fuyou Road lantern zone (free)
• The Bund lantern zone (free)

What to see and do:

• Opening ceremony in the Yuyuan Garden folk art lantern zone, featuring a giant zodiac horse-themed centerpiece.
• Folk performances at designated spots such as Hefeng Tower and Tianyu Tower.
• Holiday parades throughout the Yuyuan area.
• The BFC lantern zone offers rose gifting, fun interactive new year activities, and live shows.

Note: The Yuyuan Garden folk art lantern zone is closed on Chinese New Year's Eve.

2. Sijing Ancient Town lantern fair

When: Jan 16 – March 3

Where: Sijing Ancient Town, Songjiang district

What to see and do:

• Admire the illuminated Anfang Pagoda and a special exhibition featuring lantern artistry.
• Watch live demonstrations of Shanghai lantern art, a national intangible cultural heritage craft.
• Get hands-on with cultural workshops such as paper-cutting and flower arranging.
• Join a stamp collection activity and take home commemorative postcards as souvenirs.

3. Panlong Xintiandi lantern fair

When: Jan 23 – March 3

Where: Panlong Xintiandi commercial zone, Qingpu district

What to see and do:

• Lanterns showcasing five Chinese intangible heritage crafts, including Chaozhou oil-paper lanterns from Guangdong province and Jiangnan fish lanterns from the Yangtze River Delta.
• A Panlong temple fair with traditional performances such as sugar painting and rice cake making.
• A new year market for folk activities, local snacks, and even alpaca petting.
• Zodiac horse-themed parades, bamboo raft fish lantern parades, equestrian shows, and pony photo opportunities.

4. Hongkou Haipai lantern fair

When: Jan 23 – March 3

Where: Life Hub @ Bund Central area and The Inlet commercial complex in Hongkou district

What to see and do:

• The historical alleyways are transformed into a magical realm of galloping horses through large-scale light installations.
• A vibrant fusion of Eastern and Western artistic styles celebrates Shanghai-style Haipai culture, spring, and festivity.
• A bustling Chinese-style market offers new year goods, food, and entertainment.
• Dragon and lion dances, handicraft workshops, and other intangible heritage activities.
• Perks include souvenir plush toys for visitors, shopping lucky bags, and red envelope giveaways.

5. Nanxiang Ancient Town lantern fair

When: Jan 26 – March 3

Where: Nanxiang Ancient Town, Jiading district

What to see and do:

• Spot unique lantern designs inspired by local culture, such as the famous Nanxiang Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
• Enjoy cultural performances, ceramic art exhibitions, and interactive activities.
• Experience the magical snow and light spectacle with daily artificial snowfall sessions during the Spring Festival holiday.

Lantern fair calendar

Sources: WeChat account of "shbendibao", Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, venues mentioned above