Cheat Sheet – CNY Knowledge
Celebrations commence on New Year's Eve (Tuesday, January 28) which goes by Chu Xi (除夕) or Da Nian Ye (大年夜) or depending on where in China you are. The family sits at a big banquet, the Nian Ye Fan (年夜饭). That's also the night the world's most viewed annual television is aired - Chun Wan(春晚), that four-hour Spring Festival Gala show that CCTV barrages the nation with every year.
The stroke of midnight marks Da Nian Chu Yi (大年初一). Then each subsequent day is designated for certain customs:
- 1st day (January 29): Dà nián chū yī (大年初一) or Bài Nián (拜年): It is essential for younger generations to pay New Year's greetings to their elders and for family and friends to greet each other. And for those with children at home, they also need to prepare lucky money. One of the traditions is that you can't put out any trash on that day.
- 2nd day (January 30): In Chinese "正月初二 Zhēng Yuè Chū èr" - married daughters visiting their birth parents to renew family ties and relationships, in short, "Huí Niáng Jiā 回娘家".
- 3rd day (January 31): 正月初三 Zhèng Yuè Chū Sān, in short, Chū Sān - Traditionally, the third day is considered inauspicious for social visits, as it's believed that evil spirits roam on this day. Many people choose to stay home to avoid bad luck. The welcoming of the God of Wealth (not the God of Blessing) typically occurs on the fifth day.
- 4th day (February 1) 初四 Chū Sì - is dedicated to welcoming back the Kitchen God and reflecting on diligence and frugality through preparing a communal stew.
- 5th day (February 2):初五 Chū Wǔ or 破五 PòWǔ - This day marks the God of Wealth's birthday. Traditionally, people eat jiaozi, the most popular among them being "chasing the five poor," which refers to "poor learning, poor intelligence, poor literature, poor destiny, and poor communication."
- 6th day (February 3): 初六 Chū Liù or 马日 MǎRi, Horse's Day. In mythology, it is commonly known that when Nü wa created humans, she first created six animals and finally created humans. People drive away the Ghost of Poverty by throwing out the garbage stored up during the festival.
- 7th day (February 4): 初七 Chū Qī or 人日 Rén Rì, People's Day is the day God created humans. Normally, we are supposed to work this day but fortunately, we start to work on the 18th this year, emphasizing the importance of sustenance and prosperity through consuming grains and cereals...
- 8th day (February 5): "Chū Bā初八" or Gǔ Rì (谷日), A Day of Five Grains is dedicated to releasing and praying for blessings, symbolized by burning lamps and offering sacrifices to the stars. Taoism and folk culture regard the eighth day of the first lunar month as the day when the stars descend. They make small lamps to burn and offer sacrifices, known as Shunxing, also referred to as "Offering Stars" or "Receiving Stars." It is also said that the eighth day of the lunar new year is the birthday of foxtail millet. If the weather is clear on this day, it means there will be a bountiful harvest of rice; if it is cloudy, it means there will be no harvest.
Fireworks
Meiyou.
Fireworks and firecrackers used to light up Shanghai during Chinese New Year, but they've been banned within the Outer Ring Road and in specific areas like government buildings and schools for safety and pollution concerns. They're also prohibited on heavily polluted days, with legal penalties for violations. Here's the official announcement.
For a dazzling display, head to Shanghai Disney Resort, Happy Valley (January 29–February 3), or Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park (January 29–February 5). Check the city's official guidelines for full details.
Brunch Spots
The CNY holidays can be tricky for restaurants, as many staff head home, and triple salary is required for those who stay. Most places close for the first three days, but here are some great spots staying open:
Calypso: A casual family brunch with excellent food at reasonable prices for a hotel-adjacent restaurant. Open throughout.
Chez JOJO: A friendly, owner-run French gem perfect for boozy brunches with friends. Their holiday brunch deals make it a standout choice.
Pubs & Bars
Abbey Road: A long-standing favorite for its friendly vibe and decent food. Located downtown, it's open daily after 4 PM during the holidays.
Cages: The remaining Cages location stays open through the holiday for sports and drinks. (Note: The second location at One East closed on January 26, 2025.)
Riink: More than just a roller disco at Shangkang-Li, it's fun for adults with great food and beers. Open throughout.
Paulaner: All three venues offer holiday specials and set meals.
Cocktail Bars
Heavenly Jin: Perched atop Shanghai Tower, this is the world's highest cocktail bar and remains open during the holidays. Don't miss their special deals, also valid through the holiday period. The J Hotel's J Lounge is another great spot nearby, offering impressive views.
The 1515 West: Located in the Jing'an Shangri-La, this venue doubles as an excellent steakhouse and cocktail bar. It's open throughout the holidays with no interruptions.
Nightlife & Clubbing
From our Live Music suggestions from SmSh contributor Will of LiveMusicChina.com
It's Chinese New Year - which once again means your nightlife is about to much quieter for the next week or so. Or at the very least, you'll have a limited number of options to explore. This is tenfold for the live music scene which is already hunkering down across the city. Yuyintang Park closed its doors last Friday - with places like Modernsky Lab, Bandai Namco, Mao Livehouse, and OKOK having closed their doors well before then. Expect venues to slowly open up by the time February 4th rolls around (with some like OKOK taking proper rest and not opening their doors till Valentine's Day).
But fear not - for those stuck in Shanghai over the holiday - the old guard is here to keep you preoccupied - a holiday tradition for these established safe-havens. C's Bar has your back - with the Ruff'N'Tuff dub crew throwing a special CNY bash on January 29th - with more shows to come during the week. Likewise, SPECTERS has all the ‘prosperous music and drinks' one can handle throughout the week - with their monthly ‘Punk and Pop Karaoke' night (January 30th) and even a dumpling-making party on the eve of Chinese New Year.
For something a bit more chic - both JZ Club and The Pearl have full schedules for those looking for a table alongside their music - The Pearl with its usual roster of tribute nights (especially if seeing Green Day in Macau is too much for your wallet to handle) and JZ Club bringing in an array of musicians and showcases.
Finally, the trifecta of metal bars in Shanghai (what a world we live in) - CAVE, FENRIR, and REAPER will all be open to varying degrees over the week - for if you're itching for a cold beer and some death metal - you'll be covered.
Our suggestion - get a headstart on the Year of the Snake, listen to some new bands, line up some shows, and prepare for a fruitful February.
Art Shows
Erik Johansson & Human at Fotografiska
Fotografiska is always worth a visit, offering a range of compelling photography exhibitions. Two standout shows are the surreal works of Swedish artist Erik Johansson, who masterfully blends reality with imagination to create seemingly impossible scenes that challenge perception. Equally unmissable is the "Human" cycle of the Prix Pictet, the world's foremost award for photography and sustainability, featuring powerful works by twelve shortlisted photographers exploring themes of humanity and our relationship with the world.
Closed from January 27 to 31, will be open starting February 1, including Monday, February 3. Fotografiska tickets available here.
J.M.W. Turner and Cao Fei at MAP
The Museum of Art Pudong (MAP) is currently showcasing two remarkable exhibitions. "Dialogues with Turner: Evoking the Sublime," in collaboration with Tate, offers an in-depth exploration of 19th-century artist J.M.W. Turner's work, featuring over 100 pieces, including approximately 80 original oil paintings and watercolors, many displayed in China for the first time. Additionally, "Cao Fei: Tidal Flux" marks the internationally acclaimed contemporary Chinese artist's first solo exhibition in Shanghai, presenting a comprehensive review of her 30-year career with seven world premieres and 13 domestic debuts. Both exhibitions are must-sees for art enthusiasts.
Closed January 28-30. MAP E-Tickets here.
Rodin: Figure Charnière vers la Modernité
A new addition to Shanghai's art scene worth visiting, the Centre d'Art Rodin in Shanghai has inaugurated its opening exhibition, "Rodin: A Hinge Figure toward Modernity," offering a comprehensive look at Auguste Rodin's artistic career. The exhibition features 106 original works, including sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and videos, with masterpieces like The Thinker, The Age of Bronze, Eve, Balzac, and The Burghers of Calais on display in Shanghai for the first time. Additionally, about 30 works by 17 artists associated with Rodin provide a broader view of the late 19th and early 20th-century sculpture scene. This exhibition is a rare opportunity to explore Rodin's enduring influence on modern art.
Closed on January 27-28. Open from January 29.
And Also ...
Résonances Art Déco: Paris Chic - Shanghai Moderne: Celebrate 60 years of China-France relations and a century of Art Deco in this stunning exhibition. Featuring over 120 rare artifacts from French cultural institutions and Shanghai collections, it explores the journey of Art Deco from Paris to Shanghai.
Closed January 28–30; reopens January 31. Tickets available here.
Modigliani & Modern Art: Don't miss Masterpieces from LaM Museum, on display at Bund One Art Museum until February 9. This exhibition offers a rare chance to view Modigliani's works alongside other modern art icons.
Closed January 28–31.
Accidentally Wes Anderson: The exhibition combines film aesthetics, photographic art, and spatial design through multimedia formats, offering a photographic visual feast inspired by the visual style of Wes Anderson.
Make the most of these remarkable exhibitions before they close!
All Art Shows on SmartShanghai here.
activities
Celebrate the Spring Festival at SAGA City of Light, where the immersive "Chasing the Light, Embracing New Year" theme brings new storylines, scenes, and interactive experiences from January 21 to February 4. The theater transforms into a festive "Spring Festival City", featuring traditional cultural activities like Chinese paper- cutting, sugar painting, and dough figurine making. Explore the rich history of old Shanghai through a dynamic, walk-through show that combines dramatic performances with cultural heritage. With special performances, actor interactions, and an online-offline mini- program, SAGA City of Light offers a unique, immersive way to celebrate the New Year in the heart of Shanghai.
The INFINITE XR Immersive Space Experience, adapted from the Emmy Award-winning “Space Explorers: International Space Station Experience,” was created in collaboration between Felix & Paul and PHI Studio. This cutting-edge XR experience has attracted over 500,000 visitors globally since its debut in Montreal in 2021 and continues to set new records. Shanghai, China, marks the first stop for this exhibition outside of North America and the first exhibition in Asia. Immerse yourself in the freedom of roaming in a 1000-square-meter large space, Don’t miss it!
The Granada Flamenco Dance Company brings their rendition of Carmen to Shanghai, reimagining the timeless story of love, betrayal, and passion through the fiery art of flamenco. With its roots in Prosper Mérimée’s novel and Georges Bizet's opera, this bold adaptation captures the spirit of Carmen, a free-spirited gypsy entangled in a web of desire and destiny. Featuring Marta Clemente as Carmen, her electrifying performance embodies the beauty and raw intensity of flamenco.
The Pearl's Showgirls Cabaret Show promises an unforgettable night of glamour, featuring dazzling performances by talented dancers, aerialists, and singers in stunning costumes. The immersive experience blends high-energy dance with the elegance of traditional showgirl performances, making for a spectacular evening. Guests can also enjoy the unique cocktail showgirls serving signature drinks while performing. It’s a night filled with excitement, elegance, and incredible artistry, offering a true celebration of entertainment.
SpicyComedy serves up a night of English stand-up comedy in Shanghai, bringing together some of the sharpest local and traveling comics for a guaranteed laugh fest. Hosted at the SpicyComedy Lounge in Xintiandi, this series of shows runs throughout the week and promises a high-energy mix of humor and good vibes. Each event features 5-6 comedians, delivering tightly crafted sets ranging from 8 to 15 minutes. The lineup changes with the format—expect everything from spotlight showcases with headliners to open mic nights where fresh faces take the stage. Seating is first-come, first-served, so show up early to snag a prime spot.
Era 2 – Spirit of Shanghai returns with a brand-new season, featuring an entirely fresh storyline and updated scenes. The original Era show, which debuted on September 27, 2005, enjoyed a 15-year run, drawing over 5 million viewers from around the globe and generating over 600 million yuan in ticket sales.
The second season blends traditional Chinese acrobatics, Western theater, and cutting-edge technology with elements of extreme sports, improvisational comedy, and dance. At its heart is a romantic tale of a boy searching for the girl he fell in love with at first sight in Shanghai. Along the way, he discovers the city's charm and his own true self. Directed by French filmmaker Alain Pacherie, the production draws inspiration from Shanghai's iconic buildings, parks, and squares, creating a captivating homage to the city.
Activities With Kids
Located in Shanghai’s Sheshan National Tourism Resort, the Shimao Smurf Land Theme Park is the first indoor-outdoor hybrid park in China that blends natural wonders with an international IP. Covering 45,000 square meters, the park features two main attractions: the outdoor Deep Pit Secret Park and the indoor Smurfs Park, both adjacent to the architectural marvel of the Sheshan Shimao Intercontinental Hotel.
MotrixVR is located in downtown Shanghai, officially granted to play Ubisoft VR escape games. Parkson Mall site is located in Huangpu, specially decorated for playing escape games. 2 or 4 people can make one game group. Four people is strongly recommended. Hopefully you can solve the puzzles less than the estimated time. If you finish before the time limit, the venue will complementarily offer small VR games you can play on the side.
The Paradox Museum is headquartered in Greece, with a research center and creative team in Croatia.It has already established 15 experience centers in several major cities worldwide, such as Miami in the United States and Barcelona in Spain. The Shanghai Paradox Museum is the first museum in Asia. The design team divided the 1300 square meter space into five distinct areas, each revolving around its corresponding element. It might take you one to two hours to experience all the installations and get some nice photos to post on WeChat moments. Regular single tickets are priced at 158rmb.
Changfeng Aquarium is a National 4A Scenic Area, combines fun and education with a focus on marine conservation. Located 13 meters beneath Silver Hoe Lake in scenic Changfeng Park, this aquarium is home to over 300 species and thousands of marine creatures. It features zones like Dancing with Rays, Starfish Touch Zone, Tropical Rainforest Wonders, Seahorse Kingdom, Colorful Coral Zone, Deep Sea Mystery, Shark Tunnel, and Penguin Exhibit. It serves as a national youth science education base and a specialized science museum. Ticket prices are 160rmb for adults and 130rmb for children, with opening hours from 8:30am to 5pm. Approximately 15 minutes walk between the two museums from Aquarium to Stingray Bay. The venue is located near Park Gate 4. Its recommended entering through the gate opposite Changfeng Joy City shopping mall (Northeast Gate, marked by a Lego giraffe outside).
Shanghai LEGO Discovery Center is an indoor amusement park focused on family activities, built with tens of thousands of LEGO bricks. Operated by Merlin Entertainments, it is the first LEGO Discovery Center in China and the 17th worldwide. The center includes 12 themed areas, providing a 2-3 hour play experience. The edutainment concept aims to stimulate children's imagination and creativity while they play. Ticket prices range from 160 to 215rmb. Children 90cm tall and under, as well as children aged 3 and under, can enter for free. Please bring your ID for admission.
This is the chance to meet the superstar icons in your dreams, all at once. Located on the tenth floor of the New World Building, Shanghai's branch of the world famous Madame Tussauds allows visitors to mingle with the rich, famous and (sometimes) deceased. Walk down the red carpet with Hollywood celebrities to meet your favorite Marvel superheroes, take your pictures Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, or the best athletes and the cleverest scientists throughout history — maybe with the help of a VR gadget to watch them coming into life. You can also walk through Madame's maze of horror, appropriately named "Scream," which promises to leave you terrified!
Peppa Pig World of Play (PPWOP) is an in-door play attraction designed for pre-school children under 7 years old. It has 10 fantastic themed areas that promise endless fun. Enjoy a picnic in the Campervan, fuel up at Grandpa Dog's Garage, and discover secret slides in Peppa's Treehouse and George's Castle. Join a musical School Bus Trip, relax with Peppa Pig episodes in the cozy Little Theater, and splash around in Muddy Puddles. At Peppa's House, learn about recycling and make delicious sandwiches. Explore the Sensory Garden's wonders, shop at the Supermarket, and navigate Rebecca Rabbit's carrot-filled tunnels. Open since October 23, 2018, tickets start at just 195 RMB for a child (up to 1.3m tall) with one adult.
新年快乐
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, advertisers, and partners for their continued support, and to our readers for being the heart of our community. As we welcome the Year of the Snake, we wish you all happiness, prosperity, and success. May this year bring new opportunities, cherished memories, and endless possibilities. Thank you for making SmartShanghai what it is today. Here's to another amazing year together!
