Shanghai has unveiled a comprehensive program of cultural events, tourism activities, and business promotions to commemorate the first Spring Festival since its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The city is now awash in festive decor, from lively lantern festivals and captivating exhibitions to bustling shopping districts, creating a vibrant atmosphere across its center, major business hubs, and popular tourist attractions.

The Bund Finance Center serves as a focal point, hosting a 37-day extravaganza from Jan 11 to Feb 16. Visitors can immerse themselves in installations symbolizing prosperity, explore a bustling market teeming with festive goods, and marvel at dazzling light displays.

A luminous pathway connects BFC with the radiant Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival on Middle Fangbang Road, guiding visitors from a modern winter wonderland to the realm of traditional lantern artistry. A butterfly lantern installation at BFC mirrors one at Yuyuan Garden, symbolically uniting the two locations in a constellation of light.

Meanwhile, the historic Shikumen neighborhood of INLET in Hongkou district is presenting a lantern festival drawing inspiration from global mythology, featuring five large-scale light installations that embody the spirit of cultural exchange. The Shanghai Animation Film Studio is complementing this with an exhibition showcasing the evolution of Chinese animation.

Adding to the festive ambiance, a traditional lantern fair is offering activities such as spring couplet writing, crafting lacquer lanterns, and fish lantern displays. Visitors to INLET can also uncover gifts at collaborative markets, try their hands at traditional lantern painting, and enjoy folk music performances, dancing, and fish lanterns.

In partnership with the Shanghai Animation Film Studio, the LifeHub@Bund Central shopping mall is hosting an exhibition celebrating the legacy of Shanghai-style animation.

Throughout Jing'an district, shopping centers are decked out in festive decorations, ribbons, flowers, and auspicious knots, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Pop-up stores cater to the social and consumer preferences of younger generations.

To further enhance the festive spirit, Putuo district will host a series of Spring Festival events along the Suzhou Creek from late January to early February.

Source: Jiefang Daily