Shanghai is rolling out an array of special offerings for expats during the Spring Festival holiday in an effort to become a prime destination for international visitors seeking an authentic Chinese New Year experience.

The "four-menu" offerings comprise of a "celebration menu" featuring horse-themed interactive events in major business districts, a "global cuisine menu" offering discounts at Shanghai’s diverse restaurants, an "e-commerce menu" for online shopping of festival goods, and a "policy service menu" offering support for foreign-invested enterprises.

The offerings were unveiled during a Spring Festival celebration event for expat representatives held on Feb 3, which was attended by over 70 people from foreign consulates, multinational corporations, and business associations in Shanghai.

Jiang Manzong, a master tailor at Longfeng, a time-honored brand for traditional Chinese qipao, said that he has seen an increasing interest from overseas tourists in high-end custom-made qipaos.

He added that visa-free policies combined with the festive atmosphere encouraged overseas Chinese families to customize their own qipaos, enhancing cultural and emotional ties.

Christopher Voigt, executive director of K D Feddersen China, said that experiencing customs such as writing Spring Festival couplets and participating in reunion dinners last year allowed him to feel the unique joy of Chinese New Year.

In 2026, Shanghai plans to host over 20 business exchange activities during the Spring Festival to promote an open and convenient world-class business environment.

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, Shanghai Observer