Cheat Sheet – CNY Knowledge

Celebrations commence on New Year's Eve (Monday, February 16), which goes by Chu Xi (除夕) or Da Nian Ye (大年夜), 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 show 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 (February 17): 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 (February 18): 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 (February 19): 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 20) 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 21): 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 22): 初六 Chū Liù or 马日 MǎRi, Horse's Day. According to the creation myth of the goddess Nü Wa, she created the horse on the sixth day of the world (just before creating humans on the seventh). Since 2026 is the Year of the Horse, this day is considered especially auspicious this year! It is also the day for Sòng Qióng (送穷), or "Sending Away the Ghost of Poverty." After days of letting luck accumulate, the "cleaning taboo" is officially lifted. People drive away bad lingering vibes by finally clearing out all the garbage and clutter stored up since New Year's Eve, symbolically making room for new wealth to enter.
• 7th day (February 23): 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 24th this year, emphasizing the importance of sustenance and prosperity through consuming grains and cereals...
• 8th day (February 24): "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

Again, Meiyou.

Fireworks and firecrackers used to light up Shanghai during the 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 (February 17-23), or Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park (February 15-23). Or, someone out of downtown, like Kangqiao.

eat & Drink

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:

The Fellas: Stays open throughout the holidays. Good spot to watch the crowds on the Bund

Calypso: Solid downtown Brunch spot attached to the Jing'an Shangri-la, remains open throughout the holidays.

Chez JOJO: A friendly, owner-run French gem perfect for boozy brunches with friends. Closed on 16th Feb for CNY holiday, opens throughout the rest of the holiday.

Paulaner & BAKTRO: All venues offer Holiday Specials Set Meals with Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea at all Paulaner Shanghai venues, and a Valentine's Special at BAKTRO North Bund.

Spago: Wolfgang Puck's first Spago in China -- California fine dining with hotel polish, some smart nods to Chinese ingredients, and a Bund view priced into every glass of wine. Open throughout the holiday.

The 1515 West: The Jing'an Shangri-La's excellent steak-house and cocktail bar opens throughout the holiday.

Nightlife & Clubbing

From our Live Music suggestions from SmSh contributor Will of LiveMusicChina.com

It's Chinese New Year, which once again means your choices for nightlife are dwindling—especially this year, with the holiday beginning at the start of the week. The live music scene has already, for the most part, hunkered down across the city, with Yuyintown sealing up last Saturday, alongside other establishments like Modernsky Lab, Bandai Namco, Mao Livehouse, and OKOK. Expect venues to slowly open up by the time February 24th rolls around - but in reality, the true good stuff won't return till that weekend of the 27th/28th.

Props to VAS ear for hosting international acts this weekend in the lead-up to Chinese New Year - some big bills that'll have to keep gig-goers comforted till after the holidays. American deathcore juggernauts Suicide Silence kick things off Friday, February 13th, with a style that draws on elements of black metal, grindcore, mathcore, and groove metal. The Southern California band will be bringing their ‘breakneck intensity, the fearless acceleration, and the no-nonsense efficiency' to plenty of mosh pit goers. Meanwhile, on Saturday, February 14th, San Diego trio Almost Monday has become the next hot thing, producing shiny, upbeat pop with glossy production and catchy hooks. The US band has been riding waves of success since breaking onto the scene in 2020 with their single ‘Broken People' - infused with their ‘sun-kissed signature style with a bold bass bounce and empowering refrain'. Undeniable. For something a bit more low-key (but equally appealing), I recommend checking out touring French instrumental rock duo Martin & Dubois - whose blend of math‑rock precision with post‑rock intensity will make stops at My Place (February 11th), C's Bar (February 14th), and even in Zhujiajiao (February 15th).

But fret not - for those stuck in Shanghai over the holiday - the old haunts of Shanghai are here to keep you glazed over. C's Bar has your back - with plenty of shows to get your dance on to - check out their official account for updates. Likewise, SPECTERS will be holding down the fort in their new spacious digs under C Park.

You know who's not keeping quiet this holiday season? The one and only JZ Club - keeping jazz heads spinning and grinning all week and into next. With just about two shows every night, it's a perfect alternative for those itching for anything ‘live' this week (and more importantly, during the CNY holiday). Acts include Dmitry Strelianny Quartet with the ‘Music of Hank Mobley', the JArT Collective, American jazz pianist Michael Compton, resident saxophonist Alec Haavik, guitarist Evgeny Pobozhiy, and special Valentine's Day gigs.

On a similar note, The Pearl will keep chugging along with their lively assortment of themed musical nights - Green Day! The Beatles! Queen! - perfect for those looking to spruce up and get cheeky. They'll take a few nights off at the initial start of the holiday, but rest assured, they'll be going strong otherwise.

Finally, it seems like more and more electronic clubs are unwilling to stay idle during the holidays, giving the community of ravers and night owls a place to call home. EXIT Club - which was slowly turned into one of the city's essential spots for homegrown electronic music will have shows the weekend prior to CNY and then will kick things back into gear on February 20th with the VOID crew. HEIM, meanwhile, who has taken their holiday early this year, returns on the 18th with more shows scheduled during the holiday week. Finally, not one to go quietly into the night (even when losing their space a year back), SYSTEM will be serving hotpot on February 17th and tangyuan on February 21st alongside an array of electronic artists and a Nuo opera to keep the spirits at bay over at the FICS building on Xinhua Road.

Art Shows

Art Shanghai European National Treasures Presents Touching Infinity: Art Beyond Time

Presented by Art Shanghai with the Musée international d'horlogerie and The Watch Library, this exhibition brings together over 160 historic timepieces spanning the Renaissance to today. Highlights include rare mechanical clocks, early automata, and the world's first "Mystery Clock."

Closed February 16–19 for Chinese New Year.

Fotografiska Shanghai

Fotografiska's current lineup explores transformation, imperfection, and memory. Highlights include Morphing Equilibrium by Michael Najjar, featuring volcanic and Arctic landscapes, and Cho Gi-Seok's The Coexistence of Imperfection by Cho Gi-Seok, showcasing the beauty found in imperfection through his visual works. Other exhibitions include Space: Internal Illuminations, blending art and astronomy, and Something or Nothing by Andrew Grassie, exploring the space between memory and time through detailed paintings.

Closed February 16–20 for Chinese New Year.

Museum of Art Pudong (MAP)

MAP presents two major exhibitions this holiday season: Picasso Through the Eyes of Paul Smith features over 80 works across Picasso's career, with exhibition design curated by Paul Smith. The Wonder of Patterns showcases around 300 works from the Louvre, exploring artistic traditions across India, Iran, and the Ottoman Empire.

Open daily 10am–9pm; closes early at 6pm on February 16.

Galloping into Spring: A Celebration of the Year of the Horse

Shanghai Museum's special Year of the Horse exhibition explores the cultural symbolism of horses throughout Chinese history, from art to mythology.

Open daily 9am–5pm during CNY. Free entry; reservation required via the "上博参观" WeChat mini-program.

Arts & Stage

Russia St. Petersburg Classical Ballet: Swan Lake & The Nutcracker - Classic Russian ballet touring Shanghai with two of the most famous productions ever staged. A safe pick for traditional theater lovers and families over the holiday week.

2026 Shanghai Spring Festival Concert: Vienna Waltz Orchestra - A festive New Year concert featuring waltzes, operetta highlights, and classical favorites. Designed as an easy, family-friendly holiday performance at Shanghai Concert Hall.

Carmen by Flamenco Ballet of Granada - A flamenco reinterpretation of Bizet's classic, combining Spanish dance, live music, and dramatic staging. Strong choice if you want something more intense than traditional ballet.

Queen Tribute Concert - The Pearl's Red Stars Band performs Queen's biggest hits live. Loud, nostalgic, and built for standing, singing, and dancing along.

HD Screening: National Theatre Live – Frankenstein - Danny Boyle's acclaimed stage production filmed live in London, starring Benedict Cumberbatch. A cinema-style theatre experience for drama fans.

See Lanterns & Do CNY Things

Heritage Now Festival (Xintiandi) - A CNY-themed market and cultural festival blending traditional crafts with contemporary design. Good for daytime wandering, shopping, and casual performances.

Floral Wonderland 2026 - Seasonal flower exhibition combining large-scale gardens, sculptures, and spring blooms inside Expo Culture Park. Best for relaxed daytime walks once the weather warms up.

Panlong Tiandi Dragon Horse Fair - A Jiangnan-style New Year fair with crafts, snacks, and traditional activities in an outdoor setting. More relaxed and local-feeling than the downtown crowds.

Yu Garden Lantern Festival 2026 - Shanghai's classic CNY lantern display returns with large illuminated installations and heavy holiday crowds. Go after dark and expect it to be busy.

(Good) Touristy Stuff

The Stage: Open-Air Skyline Deck - An outdoor observation platform on the North Bund offering unobstructed skyline views over the Huangpu River. Best visited on clear winter days or at sunset.

Jinmao Tower Sky Walk - Walk outside the Jinmao Tower at 340 meters high while harnessed to a safety rail. Not for the faint-hearted but one of the city's more unique adrenaline activities.

ERA2 – Spirit of Shanghai - CNY holidays are a good chance to check out the long-running acrobatics show mixing circus, dance, and theatrical storytelling with modern staging. Reliable crowd-pleaser for visitors or first-time showgoers.

Activities With Kids

Smurf Land Theme Park - A large indoor-outdoor theme park in Sheshan combining Smurfs-themed attractions with outdoor play areas. Good for a full-day family outing with both rides and open space to explore.

Shanghai Changfeng Aquarium & Stingray Bay - An underwater aquarium experience featuring shark tunnels, penguins, and interactive marine exhibits. A classic educational indoor activity that works well for younger kids.

Shanghai LEGO Discovery Center - An indoor LEGO-themed play space with multiple building zones and interactive attractions. Designed as a 2–3 hour creative play experience for families with younger children.

Madame Tussauds Shanghai - Wax museum featuring celebrities, movie characters, and interactive photo spots. Easy, weather-proof activity for families looking for something light and entertaining.

Peppa Pig World of Play - Indoor play attraction aimed at preschool children with themed activity zones and soft play areas. Best suited for younger kids under seven.

Zotter Chocolate Experience - Chocolate factory tour with tastings, workshops, and a behind-the-scenes look at chocolate production. A fun mix of learning and sugar-fueled entertainment for families.

North Bund Riverside Ice Skating Festival - Seasonal outdoor ice rink along the river with skating sessions and evening snowfall effects. A scenic winter activity for families, especially after dark.

新年快乐