As the Chinese New Year approaches, the vibrant city of Shanghai comes alive with the hustle and bustle of people preparing for celebrations. About one month before the holiday, the iconic Nanjing Road becomes adorned with a palpable sense of joy and anticipation, as numerous time-honored shops set the stage for shopping sprees.

But what are essential culinary delights for Shanghai residents as they gear up for the New Year?

Traditional cured meats

For many Chinese, the winter season is synonymous with cherished culinary traditions, particularly the indulgence in traditional cured meats.

Shanghai residents wait in line for traditional cured meats. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Stores such as Sanyang Foods and Taikang Foods, nestled along Nanjing Road, showcase an array of cured delicacies, including dried goose, salted chicken, cured duck, preserved pig and ham, which evoke memories of warmth and comfort.

Sweet snacks and nuts

In addition to savory delights, sweet snacks and nuts take center stage as essential components of Chinese New Year celebrations. Along the bustling Nanjing Road, a myriad of shops offer an assortment of sweet treats and nuts, ranging from chocolates and preserves to pastries.

Dabaitu candies - The brand White Rabbit (Dabaitu) is embedded in the collective memories of generations of Shanghai people. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

A wide selection of nuts. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Eight-treasure rice pudding

Among these delights, eight-treasure rice pudding stands out as a beloved staple, symbolizing prosperity and unity during family reunion dinners on the eve of the Lunar New Year.

Eight-treasure rice pudding. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Cooked food

Furthermore, the allure of cooked food proves irresistible to Shanghai residents as they prepare for festivities. Notably, establishments like Shanghai First Foodhall witness a surge in activity as the Chinese New Year draws near. 

Here, patrons eagerly seek out smoked fish, Shanghai-style bran gluten, pork sausage, pickled beef and sliced cold chicken, each offering a distinct and delectable addition to the New Year's celebratory feast.

Cooked food. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Cooked food. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]

Cooked food. [Photo/jfdaily.com]

In essence, Shanghai residents' New Year shopping lists embody a rich tapestry of culinary delights, with each item serving as a tribute to cherished traditions and a testament to the spirit of togetherness that defines Chinese New Year.

Sources: "shhplyj" WeChat account, jfdaily.com