As the Chinese New Year approaches, signs of the season begin to emerge across Shanghai. The familiar aroma of cured meats returns, festive pastries reappear on shop counters, and crowds gather once again at long-established stores throughout the city.

For many locals, preparing for the Chinese New Year goes beyond purchasing food or gifts. It follows a time-honored routine shaped by habit and trust: knowing where to shop, what to buy, and which brands have proven their worth over generations.

Trusted brands for classic Chinese New Year flavors

Founded in 1851, Xinghualou has long been a fixture on Shanghai households' Chinese New Year shopping lists.

Its eight-treasure rice pudding is a traditional finale to the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner. Made with soft, fragrant glutinous rice layered with dried fruits and nuts, it is mildly sweet and rich without being heavy, and is widely associated with reunion and good fortune.

Xinghualou's Cantonese-style sausages are equally popular. Produced using traditional techniques, they are well-balanced in flavor, slightly sweet and savory, and versatile enough for steaming, stir-frying, or grilling. They remain a dependable choice for festive meals and seasonal gift-giving.

Established in 1909, Qiao Jiashan is best known for its traditional pastries, with its craftsmanship recognized as part of Shanghai's intangible cultural heritage.

As the Chinese New Year draws near, tang yuan, or glutinous rice balls, along with other seasonal desserts, take center stage. The handmade rice balls, prepared using traditional stone-milling methods, are smooth and delicate, with a variety of sweet and savory fillings. Simple as they are, they are closely associated with family gatherings and shared meals.

"Chinese New Year shopping bases" for generations of Shanghai people

While shopping lists may evolve, where to shop often remains unchanged.

For decades, Shanghai First Foodhall has been a must-visit destination for Chinese New Year provisions. Its cured-meat counters, featuring Cantonese sausages, Jinhua ham, and air-dried poultry, are particularly busy during the festive season. For many families, a visit here is less about comparison and more about tradition.

Nearby, Shanghai No 1 Department Store holds a similar place in local memory.

Older generations recall purchasing new wool sweaters ahead of the Chinese New Year, or lining up for television sets when home electronics first became widely available. Today, the store has adapted to modern retail trends, yet the habit of stopping by before the holidays continues.

With a history of more than 110 years, New World City also remains a key stop for Chinese New Year preparations.

From festive clothing and gift shopping to family dining, the historic commercial complex offers a convenient one-stop option for many households.

Chinese New Year's Eve dining reservations are especially sought after. Shanghai cuisine at Yuan Yuan and Guangdong banquets at Tao Tao Ju are often fully booked well in advance. The Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World, located within the complex, continues to attract diners with refreshed menus, while its revolving restaurant on the 45th floor pairs festive dishes with sweeping panoramic city views of the city.

Sources: WeChat accounts of the General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Huangpu district, and venues mentioned above