Follow
Answer
In Shanghai, you can find spectacular lantern displays during the Lantern Festival at Yuyuan Garden. The garden is beautifully adorned with colorful lanterns of various shapes and sizes, creating a magical atmosphere. For the most wonderful lantern display in China, consider visiting the Qinhuai International Lantern Festival in Nanjing.
This event features an extensive array of lanterns, including traditional and modern designs, and is renowned for its grandeur and cultural significance. Both locations offer a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and tradition of Chinese lantern festivals.
Answered: Feb 13
Lantern Festival, which falls on Feb 12 this year, serves as the grand finale to China's Spring Festival celebrations. The festival revolves around the lighting of lanterns, with other traditions including solving lantern riddles, visiting temple fairs, gazing at the moon, and eating glutinous rice balls.
Here is a list of enchanting lantern fairs in Shanghai.
Yuyuan Garden Lantern Fair
A diverse array of lanterns is on display at Yuyuan Garden, a major tourism destination in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]
The 2025 Yuyuan Garden Lantern Fair revolves around the tagline "All Things Beautiful, All Beings Wonderful". It combines elements from Chinese mythology that date back over 2,000 years, as well as the popular mobile game League of Legends: Wild Rift to create lanterns that showcase traditional art in innovative ways.
Duration: Through Feb 12
Venue: Yuyuan Garden Malls
Location: No 265 Middle Fangbang Road, Huangpu district
Nanxiang Ancient Town Lantern Fair
The koi fish lanterns in Nanxiang Ancient Town, Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]
In Nanxiang Ancient Town this year, lively snake-shaped lanterns symbolize a prosperous Chinese New Year, while lanterns at the entrance of Jiefang Street feature cascading koi fish.
Duration: Through Feb 16
Venue: Nanxiang Ancient Town
Location: No 206 Jiefang Street, Jiading district
Xinzhuang Lantern Fair
Colorful lights and snake-themed lanterns in Xinzhuang town, Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]
As night falls, streets and alleys in Xinzhuang town, Minhang district glow with colorful lights and snake-themed lanterns, offering visitors a stunning visual feast.
Duration: Through Feb 12
Venues include Xincheng Central Park and Skymall in Minhang district.
The INLET Lantern Fair
A giant snake-themed installation at The INLET in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]
The lanterns at The INLET, a lifestyle hub in Hongkou district, are inspired by a fusion of Eastern and Western mythologies. This space exudes a festive atmosphere, inviting visitors to partake in activities such as penning couplets, creating intricate lanterns, and reveling in the charm of fish-shaped lanterns.
Duration: Through the end of February
Venue: The INLET
Location: Intersection of North Sichuan Road and Wujin Road, Hongkou district
Panlong Tiandi Lantern Fair
Panlong Tiandi in Shanghai is brimming with festivities. [Photo/WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]
Panlong Tiandi combines traditional lantern-making techniques to create a Jiangnan-style lantern festival featuring a massive water serpent lantern amid the waterways. This grand serpent lantern meanders through ancient bridges and streets, complemented by dragon dances and bonfire events and evoking the festive spirit of Spring Festival in Jiangnan, the region south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River.
Duration: Through February
Venue: Panlong Tiandi
Location: No 8 Lane 123 Panding Road, Qingpu district
Luodian Lantern Fair
An eclectic array of lanterns light up Luodian Ancient Town, Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]
As night falls, Meilan West Lake Park lights up with a variety of colorful lanterns. The display includes fish swimming among lotus flowers and the Luodian dragon boat lantern, embodying the ancient town's rich history.
Duration: Through Feb 12
Venue: Meilan West Lake Park
Location: No 750 Meilanhu Road, Baoshan district
Qingxi Old Street Lantern Fair
Qingxi Old Street, Shanghai at night. [Photo/WeChat account of Fengxian district administration of culture and tourism]
Qingxi Old Street is adorned with over a hundred Chinese palace lanterns, filling the area with a dazzling, festive atmosphere. Meanwhile, five special Chinese New Year-themed installations have been set up at locations such as People's Road Square and Wanghailou Tower, spicing things up for visitors as they enjoy the lantern displays.
Duration: Through Feb 14
Venue: Qingxi Old Street
Location: No 2765 Nanfeng Highway, Fengxian district
Fengjing Ancient Town Lantern Fair
An illuminated inflatable lantern in Fengjing Ancient Town. [Photo/WeChat account of Jinshan district administration of culture and tourism]
As night falls, various lights illuminate Fengjing Ancient Town, breathing new life into this quiet town. Don't miss out on the flower-adorned serpent lantern in the square.
Duration: Through Feb 12
Venue: Fengjing Ancient Town
Location: No 28, Lane 8588, Tingfeng Highway, Jinshan district
Source: International Services Shanghai (https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/)
International Services Shanghai is an upgraded, multilingual portal for the Shanghai municipal government. It offers detailed policies, news updates, and useful tips for expats in Shanghai who are seeking information on business, employment, travel, education, or shopping.
Answered: Feb 12
Yuan
Answered: Feb 13
Cool.
Answered: Feb 12
