Whether you live in Shanghai or will travel to the city for the Chinese New Year, there are plenty of exciting ways to celebrate.

This year, Chinese New Year falls on Feb 10. The Spring Festival celebrations extend until the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar, culminating in the Lantern Festival.

The Spring Festival holiday takes place from Feb 9 to Feb 16, providing ample time to engage in a variety of New Year activities.

The annual Yuyuan Garden Lantern Show kicks off in Shanghai on Sunday to welcome the upcoming Year of the Dragon. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/China Daily]

The coming year is the Year of the Dragon. The dragon is the sole mythical creature among the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. It appears as a chimera combining the features of nine real animals. It has antlers like a deer, a head like a camel, eyes like a rabbit, a neck like a snake, a belly like a mollusk, scales like a fish, claws like an eagle, paws like a tiger and ears like an ox.

Regarded as an iconic and revered Chinese symbol, the dragon symbolizes the country's national identity and cultural heritage. Chinese people often refer to themselves as "descendants of the dragon".

Among the must-see events during the Spring Festival holiday is the Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival. 

Exciting events await during Spring Festival holiday

This year, the Yuyuan Garden Lantern Show centers on the theme of the dragon. The 40-day event showcases a diverse array of lanterns inspired by Shanhaijing, or the Classic of Mountains and Seas, a significant source of Chinese mythology dating back over 2,000 years.

For those seeking to usher in good fortune for the New Year, a visit to Longhua Temple offers an opportunity to participate in traditional ceremonies and performances. The temple fair includes food stalls, street vendors, and various cultural activities.

In a departure from traditional Chinese New Year activities, Shanghai Disneyland presents unique offerings. The park hosts special events annually to celebrate the Lunar New Year, featuring traditional decorations, themed costumes, and new shows.

For foodies, Spring Festival offers an opportunity to try some unique yet traditional delicacies. 

Here are some essential culinary delights for those in Shanghai as they prepare for the New Year:

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

Eight-treasure Rice Pudding: A must-have dessert for Shanghai families, Eight-treasure Rice is traditionally served as the final course during Chinese New Year dinners. The number eight is considered lucky in Chinese culture, and the character 宝 translates to "treasure", this dessert embodies various auspicious meanings.

Cooked Foods: The allure of cooked foods proves irresistible to Shanghai residents as they prepare for New Year festivities. In time-honored establishments like Shanghai First Food Hall, patrons eagerly seek out smoked fish, Shanghai-style bran gluten, and sliced cold chicken.

Traditional Cured Meats: Winter in China is synonymous with cherished culinary traditions, particularly the enjoyment of traditional cured meats. Dried goose, salted chicken, cured duck, preserved pig, and ham evoke memories of warmth and comfort.

Prepare to immerse yourself in a fulfilling Chinese New Year experience in Shanghai!