For many visitors, food is the most immediate way to experience a city. During the Spring Festival period, Shanghai hosts a range of seasonal markets and pop-up events that showcase traditional foods and skills rooted in everyday life, from lamb noodle cooking and rice cake making to simple holiday-related craft activities.

Below is a district-by-district guide on where to go, what to explore, and which spots merit a dedicated visit.

Huangpu district

Wang Jia Sha Spring Festival food fair

Wang Jia Sha is one of Shanghai's best-known time-honored food brands, renowned for its traditional pastries, cooked dishes, semi-prepared foods, and customized New Year's Eve dinner sets. The fair brings its best-selling items together in one location, making it a convenient stop for visitors who want to sample classic Shanghai flavors without having to visit multiple shops.

When: Feb 4 to 15

Where: No 805 West Nanjing Road

Jing'an district

Intangible cultural heritage market at Jiuguang Department Store

This market combines food stalls with small-scale craft displays in a compact, walkable setting. On the food side, visitors can browse fermented vegetables, rice cakes, pastries, tofu products, and traditional sauces. Craft booths feature items such as Chinese knot buttons, incense-related products, and handmade textiles.

Short interactive sessions run throughout the event, including paper cutting, traditional rubbing prints, and writing Spring Festival couplets.

When: Jan 22 to 25

Where: Jiuguang Department Store pedestrian street

Changning district

ICH Food Market at Livat Shanghai

A compact market located inside the shopping mall, featuring several stalls selling traditional foods. Best suited for shoppers who want to purchase traditional snacks rather than a standalone destination.

When: Jan 30 to Feb 14

Where: 1F, Livat Shanghai, No 788 Jinzhong Road

Putuo district

Zhenru Lamb Restaurant

Zhenru lamb from Putuo district has a history of more than two centuries and is listed as a Shanghai municipal intangible cultural heritage. The restaurant is best known for its braised lamb noodles and cold sliced lamb, both long-standing local staples. During the Spring Festival period, it introduces limited-time set menus at discounted prices.

When: Now until March 3

Where: No 1 Siqian Street

Jinshan district

Tinglin Ancient Town rural market

This Spring Festival market brings together local agricultural products, traditional foods, handicrafts, and simple leisure activities. Compared with downtown markets, it offers a more rural and community-oriented atmosphere.

When: 8 am to 4 pm, Jan 24 to 25

Where: Hougang Old Street, Tinglin town

Shantang Old Street food market

The market features regional foods from Shanghai and neighboring Zhejiang province, along with Spring Festival goods, drinks, and cultural products.

When: Feb 17 to 22

Where: Shantang Old Street

Entry: Tickets available at the visitor center

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