Enjoy Lanterns and Tangyuan at Shanghai's Lantern Festival
Experience Shanghai Lantern Festival’s enchanting light shows at Yuyuan Garden, Century Park, and Zhujiajiao Water Town—Must-Visit attractions. Savor tangyuan, join lantern cruises, and dive into Lunar New Year magic. Ideal for things you can do in Shanghai China, travel to Shanghai, or curated tours to Shanghai China.
Why Visit the Shanghai Lantern Festival?
Held annually during Lunar New Year (late January to February), the Shanghai Lantern Festival transforms the city into a glowing wonderland. It’s a top pick for Things to do in Shanghai China, blending ancient traditions with futuristic light art. Perfect for travel to Shanghai or adding sparkle to tours to Shanghai China!
If you have any questions or would like to customize your trip, please contact us!
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1. Yuyuan Garden Lantern Show
Location: Yuyuan Garden, Huangpu District
Highlights:
● A 400-year-old Ming Dynasty garden adorned with handcrafted silk lanterns depicting zodiac animals, mythological creatures, and blooming flowers.
● The centerpiece Golden Dragon lantern, spanning 15 meters, symbolizes prosperity.
● Nightly cultural performances, including drum shows and dragon dances.
Practical Tips:
● Entry: ¥80 (advance booking recommended).
● Best Time: Visit after 6 PM for full illumination.
● Nearby: Pair with a Shanghai private tour to explore the adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar for souvenirs and street food.
2. Century Park Light Spectacular
Location: Century Park, Pudong District
Highlights:
● A modern twist on lantern art with LED installations, interactive light tunnels, and 3D projections.
● Themes rotate yearly—past displays featured space exploration and AI technology.
● Family-friendly activities like lantern-making workshops (¥50–¥100).
Practical Tips:
● Entry: ¥60 (free for kids under 1.2m).
● Transport: Metro Line 2 to Century Park Station.
● Pro Tip: Combine with a daytime picnic—this park is one of the best Shanghai places to visit for greenery.
3. Zhujiajiao Water Town Lantern Cruise
Location: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, Qingpu District
Highlights:
● Traditional lanterns reflected on canals, creating a “double glow” effect.
● Gondola rides (¥150/person) under arched bridges draped in red lanterns.
● Taste tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls, ¥10–¥20) from riverside vendors.
Practical Tips:
● Day Trip: Book a Shanghai private tour for seamless transport (1-hour drive from downtown).
● Don’t Miss: Fangsheng Bridge, lit with 1,000 lotus-shaped lanterns.
4. Tangyuan Tasting: Must-Try Festive Bites
What is Tangyuan?
These sticky rice dumplings, filled with black sesame, red bean, or fruit, symbolize family unity.Best Spots:
● Nanjing Road Night Market: Classic peanut tangyuan (¥15) at “Sweetheart Desserts.”
● City God Temple: Modern twists like matcha or durian fillings (¥20).
Fun Fact: Locals eat tangyuan on Lantern Festival’s final day to close Lunar New Year celebrations.
5. Tips for Visiting
● Avoid Crowds: Weekdays or late evenings are quieter.
● Dress Warm: February temperatures dip to 5°C (41°F).
● Book Early: Opt for a Shanghai private tour with VIP lantern show access (¥300–¥500/person).
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
