Shanghai unveils cultural tourism program for Spring Festival holiday

Shanghai announced multiple cultural and tourism activities for the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday, featuring a lineup of about 2,570 events, according to the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism.

The program, spanning festival activities, performances, exhibitions, and cultural showcases, aims to create an immersive experience for both locals and tourists during the Spring Festival celebrations.

Cultural offerings include 353 themed tourism activities, complemented by 54 science-focused events, which range from exhibitions and special classes to 4D films and performance fairs, primarily targeting young visitors.

A total of 1,369 performances are scheduled this year. The diverse lineup includes large-scale concerts, traditional Shanghai-style shows, children's theater, and international productions such as London's West End musicals.

Sports enthusiasts can look forward to the Spring Festival tennis star match at the Shanghai stadium. The event, running from the second to the fifth day of the Chinese New Year, will bring together veteran tennis players, social media personalities, and crossover celebrities.

Nearly 50 special exhibitions across Shanghai's museums will explore themes ranging from Shanghai-style qipao to Roman culture, with special displays celebrating the Year of the Horse.

Additionally, about 60 art galleries will present over 100 premium exhibitions, including collections from the Louvre and dedicated Picasso showcases.

A series of intangible cultural activities will run from mid-January through Lantern Festival on March 3. The program focuses on areas including culinary experiences, lantern festivals, calligraphy and riddle events, and traditional craftsmanship workshops.

To enhance accessibility, 60 tourist attractions will offer discounts, including half-price admission and Zodiac-specific promotions. These venues will feature traditional craft demonstrations, pet-themed celebrations, and markets, alongside integrated accommodation packages.

Shanghai's tourism company, Donghu Group, has unveiled over 50 "accommodation+" holiday packages, while the Shanghai Jiushi Group introduces the ShanghaiPass cultural tour joint ticket for the Year of the Horse at 299 yuan ($42.88). This pass grants access to 20 landmark cultural venues and offers discounts at nearly 50 restaurants across the city.