For the upcoming Spring Festival holiday, Jing'an district has introduced a series of themed city walk routes, artfully weaving together Shanghai's local heritage with contemporary cultural vitality.

This particular route traces the banks of Suzhou Creek, guiding visitors from a youth-oriented commercial complex and immersive animation art spaces to restored Shikumen neighborhoods, maritime heritage architecture, and a festive circus finale.

Route overview

Jing'an Joy City → Shanghai Yingkai Cultural Plaza (Shanghai EDGE) → Fotografiska → Rhino Bookstore → Shenyu Lane → Suhewan MixC World → Tianhou Palace → Former Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce → Shanghai Circus World

The stretch from Jing'an Joy City to the Former Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce is approximately 2.3 kilometers, with only a few minutes' walk between stops. The estimated walking time is around 36 minutes, excluding time spent exploring individual sites.

To reach Shanghai Circus World from the Former Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce, take Metro Line 12 from Tiantong Road Station (Exit 5) for two stops to Hanzhong Road Station, then transfer to Metro Line 1 for four stops to Shanghai Circus World Station. From Exit 3, it is approximately a six-minute walk to the venue.

Visitors are advised to check real-time directions in advance using local map services like Gaode Map.

Stop-by-stop guide

1. Jing'an Joy City

A flagship youth-oriented commercial complex in the district, Jing'an Joy City is renowned for its rooftop Ferris wheel, which has become a sought-after nighttime photo spot during Spring Festival.

Over the holiday period, the mall is hosting an ACGN-themed market in collaboration with Bilibili on the third floor of the South Building, tailored to Gen Z consumers and anime enthusiasts. The event integrates themed retail, immersive photo installations, and interactive community experiences.

In addition, Deli is presenting a super stationery festival running through March 8, featuring more than 1,000 stationery and creative cultural products in a concentrated seasonal display.

 

2. Shanghai EDGE

The Yao – Chinese Folktales exhibition is on view at Shanghai EDGE through May 5.

Originally released in 2023, Yao – Chinese Folktales is an animated anthology series inspired by Chinese folklore, which quickly gained widespread acclaim for its distinctive visual styles and storytelling.

Last year, the franchise expanded with its first spin-off animated feature film, Nobody, further enriching the narrative universe established by the original series.

As the project's first large-scale immersive offline exhibition, the show spans 2,000 square meters and presents more than 300 original artworks and production materials. Highlights include original sketches from Nobody, filming props from episodes such as "Jade Rabbit" and "Little Snow", and signed artworks by several directors, many of which are being displayed to the public for the first time.

 

3. Fotografiska

Fotografiska is an internationally recognized photography museum celebrated for thoughtfully curated exhibitions that engage with global visual culture.

Current shows, running through March 8, include The Coexistence of Imperfection, Something or Nothing, and Space Internal Illuminations: A Family-friendly Science and Discovery Tour.

Please note that the museum will be closed from Feb 16 to 20 and will reopen on Feb 21.

 

4. Rhino Bookstore

Rhino Bookstore specializes in literature, history, and philosophy, with a focus on secondhand and rare books.

Beyond widely circulated used volumes sourced from private collections, the store carries niche publications, archival materials, and traditional thread-bound Chinese editions. Over time, it has become a tranquil haven for scholars and students in search of elusive and out of print texts.

 

5. Shenyu Lane

Located just across from Suhewan MixC World, Shenyu Lane is a reconstructed 1930s shikumen neighborhood that preserves the traditional "one household, one courtyard" layout.

Today, the grey-brick lanes house restaurants, design boutiques, and cultural spaces, maintaining the spatial texture of old Shanghai while seamlessly accommodating contemporary functions.

 

6. Suhewan MixC World

Positioned as an "urban oasis", Suhewan MixC World integrates preserved historical buildings into an open commercial streetscape along Suzhou Creek.

Through March 3, the mall is hosting the "Hey! Happy Chinese New Year" Luo Xiaohei-themed pop-up on the second floor of its East Zone. Luo Xiaohei is one of the protagonists of the animated franchise The Legend of Luo Xiaohei.

The pop-up space features festive decor inspired by the character's own "Nutcracker" series, along with exclusive merchandise launches.

 

7. Tianhou Palace

Built in 1884 and later relocated during urban renewal efforts, Tianhou Palace is Shanghai's only temple dedicated to Mazu.

Its Jiangnan-style structure, with sweeping eaves and an intricately carved caisson ceiling, reflects enduring maritime folk traditions and the spiritual life of coastal merchants who once helped shape the city's port economy.

 

8. Former Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce

Completed in 1916, this neoclassical red-brick building once symbolized the rise of early modern Chinese commerce.

Baroque-style columns and arched windows define its facade. As one of the city's key historic commercial landmarks, it represents Shanghai's emergence as a national trade center in the early 20th century.

 

9. Shanghai Circus World

From Feb 17 to 23, Shanghai Circus World and several nearby shopping and lifestyle venues will host circus flash performances themed around the Year of the Horse.

The program includes equestrian elements, interactive acrobatics, and other family-friendly performances staged across multiple locations.

In addition, nearly 70 shows are scheduled throughout February at Shanghai Circus World, offering visitors a vibrant and immersive holiday experience.

 

Sources: WeChat account of Shanghai Jing'an Media Center and venues mentioned above