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
Activities With Kids
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!
