As the Chinese Year of the Horse approaches, Shanghai's top attractions are rolling out seasonal programs including family-friendly exhibitions, animal encounters, cultural performances, and traditional celebrations. Here are some highlights:

 

Century Park

Century Park's annual plum blossom season is back, now featuring enhanced viewing areas and a redesigned garden layout. In addition to seasonal flower displays, the event offers a folk market, hanfu-themed cultural activities, and expanded science and lifestyle sessions, including plum blossom talks, flower arranging, and tea culture experiences.

When: Through March 15

 

Fangta Garden

This 4A-rated tourist attraction hosts a Chinese New Year program featuring folk performances, dragon and lion dances, traditional opera, shadow puppetry, papercutting, and other new year rituals.

When: Feb 17 to 21

 

Madame Tussauds Shanghai

Madame Tussauds Shanghai introduces a winter-themed interactive experience for Chinese New Year. Visitors can explore seasonal exhibits, engage in interactive displays, and collect limited-edition souvenirs such as badges and commemorative tickets, providing a fun, indoor-friendly option during the holiday season.

When: Through Feb 28

 

The North Bund International Passenger Center

Set along the Huangpu River, the North Bund ice and snow festival features the city's only waterside ice rink built on a floating stage. The Chinese New Year program combines skating activities with themed performances, ice-and-snow displays, a winter market, and hands-on workshops. Its riverfront setting also offers clear views of Shanghai's iconic skyline, featuring landmarks like the Shanghai World Financial Center, Jinmao Tower, and Shanghai Tower.

When: Through Feb 28

 

Shanghai Blooming Garden

The ninth plum blossom festival at the Shanghai Blooming Garden blends seasonal flower viewing with Chinese New Year traditions. It features folk customs, interactive activities, photo-friendly installations, and exhibits connected to intangible cultural heritage.

When: Feb 14 to March 15

 

Haiwan National Forest Park

This program runs over an extended period, covering Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, and the early spring outing season. Set in a national 4A-rated scenic area in Haiwan town, Fengxian district, the activities are designed to suit various holiday rhythms, providing visitors with a flexible opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the season beyond the peak festival dates.

When: Feb 17 to March 31

 

Chenshan Botanical Garden

This seasonal exhibition at the Chenshan Botanical Garden highlights floral diversity during Chinese New Year, featuring forced-bloom peonies, azaleas, and a wide selection of traditional festival flowers.

When: Feb 16 to March 3

 

Shanghai Film Park

Shanghai Film Park's Chinese New Year fair includes lantern displays, lion dance performances, themed parades, regional new year treats, and wish-tree activities. From Feb 17 to March 3, the park will add artificial snowfall on its vintage Nanjing Road set, evoking a nostalgic "wintertime old Shanghai" atmosphere.

When: Feb 15 to 23

 

Shanghai L+ Snow Indoor Skiing Theme Resort

This large-scale Chinese New Year program at the resort brings together ice and snow art, performances, and immersive shows. Highlights include a dynamic ice sculpture exhibition inspired by classical horse imagery, penguin parades, acrylic ice art displays, interactive games, cross-cultural performances, and a full-scale aerial snow show combining lighting, effects, and real snowfall.

When: Through March 3

 

CXCC Summit 58 Observatory

During Chinese New Year, attendees of CXCC Summit 58 Observatory can enjoy sweeping city views and special limited-time offers. From Feb 15 to 23, the first 10 visitors each day will receive a complimentary coffee.

When: Feb 15 to 23

 

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism and WeChat accounts of the venues mentioned above