Ringing in the New Year
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
