Lantern Festival brings an added festive glow to Shanghai, blending traditional customs with contemporary celebrations. Across the city, residents and visitors alike can immerse themselves in music, exhibitions, lantern displays, and festive gatherings.

Baoshan district

Magical Sea Night

When: March 3

Where: Sea World, No 60 Wusongkou Road

Celebrate Lantern Festival with traditional fish lanterns and festive performances. From 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, the cultural and sports center at the Sea World commercial complex will host a DIY fish lantern workshop, allowing visitors to craft their own symbols of good fortune. The program also features a fish lantern-themed parade from 2:30 pm to 3 pm and from 7:30 pm to 8 pm. In addition, lively song and dance performances will take place from 2 pm to 2:30 pm and from 7 pm to 7:30 pm on the T2 stage.

Minhang district

Chinese New Year market

When: Now until March 3

Where: Xintiandi The Hub, No 688 Shenchang Road

Xintiandi The Hub has transformed into a bustling marketplace rich in traditional goods and immersive cultural experiences. Visitors can explore a variety of Chinese New Year snacks, sugar paintings, dough figurines, and crafts like silk flowers. The atmosphere is further enlivened by exclusive discounts, scratch cards, and special benefits for travelers passing through the Hongqiao Transportation Hub, bringing added warmth and delight to their journey.

Jiading district

CHAO with Xidajie cultural season

When: Now until March 29

Where: Nos 1-69 Xidajie

Yinxiang Xidajie, a newly established cultural and tourism landmark in Jiading district, opened in late December. The inaugural celebration has since evolved into a month-long event called CHAO with Xidajie cultural season, spanning both Spring Festival and Lantern Festival. A curated series of interactive installations and performances centered on local heritage invites visitors to experience a refined interplay between tradition and contemporary activity.

Songjiang district

Shanghai Lantern-themed exhibition

When: Now until March 3

Where: Sijing Ancient Town

The exhibition presents the traditional art of Shanghai lanterns, which is recognized as a representative item of national intangible cultural heritage. The displays focus on themes such as floral blessings and the balance between tradition and innovation.

Qingpu district

The Bloom Time exhibition

When: Now until March 12

Where: Oasis Smart Valley | Huayuanli, Alley 5386 Middle Jiasong Road

Step into a world of colors and intricate paper flower art at the national premiere of The Bloom Time. This exhibition features a stunning garden filled with paper flowers in every imaginable form and hue. Visitors can wander through the "flower sea", interact with dynamic flower waterfalls, and take photos in enchanting flower clusters, experiencing the poetry of nature reimagined through the delicate discipline of origami.

Fengxian district

Temple fair at Fengxian Paradise Walk

When: Now until March 3

Where: No 3800 Jinhai Highway

This lively temple fair harmonizes ancient traditions with contemporary delights. The air is filled with the sweet aroma of sugar syrup, fresh rice cakes, and hand-brewed coffee. Visitors can enjoy traditional treats and shop for handcrafted cheeses. They can also watch intangible heritage artisans weave vivid blossoms or shape animated figures from molten sugar. Craftsmanship and celebration converge in a scene alive with color and joy.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce