As New Year's Day approaches, Shanghai will host a variety of exciting and enriching activities to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025.

New Year party at Shanghai Museum

Date: Dec 31, 2024

Location: Shanghai Museum on People's Square

A poster for the event. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

The New Year party themed around the ancient Egypt exhibition at the Shanghai Museum features enticing activities such as Egyptian costume experiences, prize draws for cultural gifts, interactive role-playing with deities, offering participants a chance to immerse themselves in the charm of ancient Egyptian culture and celebrate the New Year.

Participation: Check the WeChat account of the Shanghai Museum at "SH-Museum" for details.

Ringing the bell at Longhua Temple

A visitor rings the bell at Longhua Temple. [Photo/Longhua Temple]

Dates: Dec 31, 2024 — Jan 1, 2025

Locations: Longhua Square, Longhua Temple, Longhua Hui commercial complex, Gate M West Bund Dream Center

Traditional festivities such as ringing the bell at Longhua Temple will collaborate with the Gate M West Bund Dream Center. Both local and international tourists are welcome to celebrate the New Year in Xuhui district.

Registration: WeChat account of the Xuhui District Administration of Culture and Tourism at "xuhuilvyou"

Lantern parade at Zhouqiao Old Street

Some lanterns at Zhouqiao Old Street. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Dates: Dec 31, 2024 — Jan 1, 2025

Location: No 68 Shaxia Road, Jiading district

The Zhouqiao Old Street in Jiading district will hold a traditional fish lantern parade to welcome the new year.

On-site participation

Climbing Oriental Pearl Tower

Visitors watch the sunrise at the Oriental Pearl Tower. [Photo/IC]

Date: Jan 1, 2025

Location: Oriental Pearl Tower

Climbing the Oriental Pearl Tower has become one of the most popular ways in Shanghai to welcome the new year.

Registration: Check the WeChat account of the Oriental Pearl Tower at "dfmz1118" for details about targeted recruitment

Watching the sunrise from the Shanghai Tower

A sunrise viewed from the Shanghai Tower. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Date: Jan 1, 2025

Locations: Shanghai Tower 118F, 126F

Witness the first light of the new year at the Top of the Shanghai Observatory. On Jan 1, the observatory will open early, allowing tourists to ascend China's tallest building and welcome the first sunlight of the new year from a height of over 500 meters.

Inquiries at (+86) 021-8037-0510

New Year run at Dishui Lake

Dishui Lake. [Photo/IC]

Time: Jan 1, 2025, 5:30 am

Location: Tuling Square

The ninth Dishui Lake New Year Run will take place at Tuling Square in Lin-gang Special Area, with a route of approximately 8 kilometers and three categories: individual, family, and group.

Registration: Search "海曲荟" on WeChat and sign up using the WeChat mini-program

Mountain hiking

A map for the hiking event at the Sheshan National Forest Park. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Date: Jan 1, 2025

Location: East Sheshan Park, Sheshan National Forest Park

The 19th Sheshan New Year's Day Mountain Hiking is a great way to kick off 2025 with a refreshing outdoor experience and become a part of a cherished tradition in the region.

Inquire at (＋86) 021-5765-7231

Drumming event at Anting Old Street

A photo of the Yong'an Pagoda. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Date: Jan 1, 2025

Location: No 888 Changji Road, Anting town, Jiading district

Anting Old Street will welcome the new year with a drumming event. Participants can ring the auspicious bell at Yong'an Pagoda, stroll through the market, and immerse themselves in a variety of interactive activities showcasing intangible cultural heritage.

Participation is free

Welcoming the first sunlight of 2025 in Jinshan district

Balloons float into the sky at sunrise. [Photo/Jinshan City Beach]

Date: Jan 1, 2025

Location: The ferry terminal of Jinshan City Beach

Visitors can welcome the first sunlight of 2025 on the morning of Jan 1 at Jinshan City Beach, filling out wish cards and releasing balloons into the sky.

Participation: Purchase tickets via the Meituan app by searching "金山城市沙滩" (Jinshan City Beach)

Folk activities at Qingxi Old Street

Qingxi Old Street. [Photo/IC]

Date: Jan 1, 2025

Location: Qingcun town, Fengxian district

A New Year's Day event featuring lion dance performances, calligraphy displays, interactive booths, and other folk activities will invite visitors from all over.

On-site participation

Panlong Xintiandi

An aerial view of Panlong Xintiandi. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Dates: December 2024 — February 2025

Location: Alley 123 Panding Road

Panlong Xintiandi will feature a giant snake lantern weaving through the millennium-old bridges. The streets will be adorned with snake-themed lanterns, and dragon dances will enliven the alleys.

Participation: Free; inquire by calling (＋86) 021-6486-6486

The 6th Shanghai International Winter Festival

Skaters on the rink. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

Date: Until Feb 28, 2025

Location: No 501 Dongdaming Road, Hongkou district

The 6th Shanghai International Winter Festival is currently ongoing at Sinar Mas Plaza. Visitors can enjoy a 10,000-sq-m outdoor ice rink, over 50 winter activities, trendy fun, and a basketball-themed light show.

Participation: Buy tickets via the "乐滑之梦乐园" (Joy Skating Dream) WeChat mini-program

Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival

The Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival. [Photo/Yuyuan Garden]

Dates: Jan 1 — Feb 12, 2025

Location: Yuyuan Garden Mall

The annual Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival is set to light up Shanghai on New Year's Day to mark the upcoming Year of the Snake, celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special exhibition taking place at the same time.

Participation: Tickets are available on the Piaoxingqiu app and WeChat mini-program.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism