Shanghai is ready to welcome the Chinese New Year with a series of shopping events, from light shows, to art installations, and markets, performances, exhibitions, and workshops. There is something for everyone to experience in the festive New Year atmosphere in Shanghai.

One of the highlights is the "Inspiring Spring" light show at Shaoo, a creative space in Zhangyuan, from Jan 31 to Feb 20. The light show features a dragon-themed design that blends tradition and innovation, symbolizing blessings and good luck. The show also uses Chinese drums, a cultural element that represents strength, joy, and auspiciousness, to display the happiness and reunion of the Chinese people.

The "Auspicious Dragon" art project at IFC Mall is another eye-catching event, held from Jan 31 to Feb 25. The mall invites illustrator Phanna-past to design an artistic dragon image exclusively for the New Year promotion. The image showcases the spirit and vitality of the dragon, adding an artistic touch to the mall.

Budweiser has joined the celebration by collaborating with installation artist JUJUWANG to create a unique exhibition at TX Huaihai from Jan 31 to Feb 25. The installation is inspired by Budweiser bottles and translucent liquor, simulating a long dragon that signifies the traditional auspicious meaning. The dragon's body extends along nine steps, implying continuous fortune in the coming year.

For those who love fantasy and adventure, "Longtime Wonderland" at the Bund Finance Center is a must-see from Jan 31 to Feb 25. The wonderland uses traditional oriental culture as the focus, creating a contemporary urban legend.

For more interactive activities, you can join a "Dragon Hunt" at Tian An 1000 Trees from Feb 2 to Feb 25. The event combines the mall's existing decorations and exhibits and displays the intangible cultural heritage projects of Putuo district with a dragon theme. Visitors can scan a QR code on-site, upload photos of the dragon-related decorations and intangible cultural heritage works on Alipay, and participate in the "Dragon Hunt" activity to receive consumption coupons for mall merchants.

For those who prefer nature, visit the "Langxia Countryside Park Folk Festival" at Langxia Countryside Park from Feb 10 to Feb 15. The festival celebrates the Year of the Dragon, a very important year in China's traditional culture. It also promotes of Chinese culture, aiming to create a happy, peaceful, and healthy atmosphere. The festival invites you to various activities, such as food, folk culture, and a countryside experience.

Another special event is the "Dragon Boat Exhibition" at Shanghai Baoyang Powerlong Plaza, from Feb 10 to Feb 25. The Luodian dragon boat on display has a history of more than 400 years and it combines various arts, such as shipbuilding, architecture, carving, lantern making, brocade, embroidery, painting, and more, reflecting the beautiful craftsmanship. This exhibition is the first of its kind in Shanghai.

For fans of Barbie, "Barbie Dream Winter" at LCM mall is a dream come true, running from Jan 31 to Feb 14. Barbie is one of the most famous brands on the planet and 2024 marks her 65th anniversary. The Barbie Dream Winter, the first of its kind in East China, brings visitors on a dreamy winter journey.

Last but not least, the New Year Dragon Market at the Bund Finance Center, from Jan 31 to Feb 25 (every weekend from 10 am to 10 pm) is a fashionable place to enjoy the holiday. The market gathers oriental auspiciousness and transforms into a festive market, becoming a new landmark in Shanghai. The market offers a matrix of drumming and fortune-telling, opening the New Year with good luck to young people. There are also artistic creations and traditional intangible cultural heritage crafts on display, showcasing the artisans' craftsmanship. There are music performances, New Year games, bonfires, and lantern festivals, pushing the atmosphere to new heights.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, there are many events to suit your interests. Happy Chinese New Year!