The Agenda '25: Top Events and Holidays in Shanghai This Year

Get ready for an exciting year ahead in Shanghai! From the dazzling Yu Garden Lantern Festival to the high-speed thrills of Formula 1, 2025 promises a packed lineup of major events.
2025-01-10 12:00:00

The Holiday Schedule

Major Events in 2025

The 2025 Yuyuan Lantern Festival is now open to the public. The festival runs from January 1 to February 12, 2025, with timed entry tickets. "Regular days" are Monday to Thursday (except specified holidays), as well as January 26 and February 7, with visiting hours from 4 to 10pm. Ticket prices are: Adult 50rmb, Child 30rmb. "Peak days" are Friday to Sunday (excluding January 26 and February 7), as well as holidays (including New Year's Day, January 1; Chinese New Year, January 29-February 4; Lantern Festival, February 12), with visiting hours from 2 to 10pm. Ticket prices are: Adult 80rmb, Child 50rmb. Kindly note that the lights will not be on during Chinese New Year’s Eve, January 28. Entrances are through gates 2, 3, and 5, while exits are through gates 1, 4, 6, 7, and 8. Please follow on-site safety and crowd control measures for a safe and orderly visit.

In 2025, Formula 1 will celebrate its 75th anniversary. The highly anticipated 2025 FORMULA 1 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix is set to take place from March 21 to 23, 2025, at the Shanghai International Circuit.

The Shanghai Longines Global Champions Tour will take place in May. This event is a five-star show jumping competition, the highest level under the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI).

Established in 2005, this competition requires participating track and field athletes to rank among the top 40 in the annual World Athletics rankings to qualify. The event is one of the highest-level track and field competitions in Asia. The 2025 competition will be held in Shanghai in May.

Returning to China for the first time since 2019, Formula E held two back-to-back races in 2024 at the Shanghai International Circuit, utilizing a shortened track layout. The electric racing series is set to visit Shanghai for the second consecutive year on May 31 and June 1, 2025.

The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) will be held in June 2025. SIFF is the only "competitive non-specialized film festival" in the Chinese-speaking regions accredited and classified by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF).

The Shanghai Masters Snooker Tournament, established in 2007, is a significant ranking event on the World Snooker Tour. This year, it will once again be held in Shanghai in July.

ChinaJoy, which will be held from August 1 to 4 in 2025, is a major interactive entertainment event focused on online gaming, following global expos like E3 and Tokyo Game Show. The event features both domestic and international game developers showcasing new games and products, distributing test accounts, and offering game merchandise. It also includes cosplay, interactive games, and more. As one of the leading events in global digital entertainment, ChinaJoy covers areas such as gaming, anime, e-sports, smart entertainment tech, and digital media, highlighting the latest industry trends and innovations.

The Pet Fair Asia has always been a preferred platform for foreign brands, with many international pet product companies entering the Chinese market through this exhibition. Since its inception in 1997, the event has become one of the most influential exhibitions in China and Asia. With its focus on trade, broad international reach, professionalism, and excellent services, it has become an annual must-attend event for China's leading pet product manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. It is also the top choice for international trade professionals sourcing pet products in Asia. The 2025 Pet Fair Asia will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from August 20 to 24.

The World Rowing Championships, organized by World Rowing, is an international rowing competition held annually in late summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Lasting for a week, it becomes the focal point of the rowing world during non-Olympic years. The 2025 World Rowing Championships will take place from September 21 to 28 in Shanghai.

The Shanghai Rolex Masters is one of the nine ATP 1000 Masters events worldwide and the only ATP 1000 tournament in the Asia-Pacific region. This year's China season will kick off in September, with the Shanghai Masters officially starting on October 1st, the first day of National Day, and running until October 13th.

The China Squash Open is an annual men's and women's squash event held in Shanghai every September or October. It is also part of the PSA World Tour and WSA World Tour.

Maker Faire Shanghai 2025 will be back with unlimited fun and activities for the whole family! Get ready for hands-on workshops, exciting performances, and innovative installations at Shanghai’s largest family-friendly festival. Last year, over 21,000 visitors attended, with international schools, universities, and companies showcasing science, technology, arts, and DIY projects. Expect 40+ interactive booths featuring 3D printing, robotics, virtual reality, cosplay, arts and crafts, and much more. Don’t miss this inspiring and creative event!

Art021 Shanghai Contemporary Art Fair, held annually in November (with 2025 dates yet to be confirmed), is part of the China Shanghai International Arts Festival. Founded in 2013, it gathers top global galleries and institutions, offering a professional platform for artists, collectors, and curators to exchange ideas and explore contemporary art trends. The fair is known for its high-quality selection, professional standards, and international vision.

At the post-race press conference in 2024, it was officially announced that the 2025 Shanghai Marathon will be held on November 30, with registration opening no later than June 30, 2025. This marks the first time the Shanghai Marathon has announced the date for the next race immediately after the conclusion of the current year's event, reflecting its further alignment with international major marathon standards.

The famous German Christmas Market will return to the Bund in 2025, bringing the festive spirit of a traditional German-style market to Shanghai. Get ready to enjoy an unforgettable celebration filled with festive cheer and holiday magic!

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