Written and updated by Ruqin
Last updated: April 20, 2026

Welcome to Shanghai — a city where old traditions meet neon skylines. During Shanghai Spring Festival 2027 activities, the Year of the Horse turns the city into a living celebration. First come glowing lanterns. Then fireworks light the river. Meanwhile, historic lanes buzz beside modern malls. From water towns to quiet temples, everything feels alive.

Next, this guide helps you slow down and look closer. You’ll wander local alleys. You’ll taste street snacks. Finally, you’ll discover moments most visitors miss. Ready? Let’s explore Shanghai’s Spring Festival — one story, one street, one smile at a time.

Spring Festival Highlights in Shanghai

First, let’s start with the heart of the celebration. During Shanghai Spring Festival 2027, lanterns lead the way. Then fireworks follow. Meanwhile, old neighborhoods glow beside glass towers. Next come markets, performances, and quiet surprises. This is where Shanghai truly comes alive.

1) 2027 Shanghai Yuyuan Lantern Festival: A Century-Old Light Journey

(at Yuyuan Garden & Yuyuan Bazaar)

This is the soul of Shanghai’s Spring Festival.

First, step into Yuyuan Bazaar. Instantly, six themed lantern zones surround you. It feels like walking through a glowing Chinese myth. Next, look up. A 10-meter Horse lantern steals the spotlight, every detail shining with traditional craft.

Then wander across the Nine-Turn Bridge. Meanwhile, Ming-Qing buildings glow softly around you. Later, browse New Year markets. Watch folk performances. Finally, try interactive tech exhibits tucked between ancient walls.

Come hungry. Come curious. Most of all, slow down.

Dates: Feb 6 – 13, 2027
Location: Yuyuan Bazaar, 265 Fangbang Middle Road, Huangpu District
（豫园商城，黄浦区方浜中路265号）
Entrance Fee: RMB 50–138

Don’t miss: March 3 (Lantern Festival night). That evening feels magical. Lanterns peak. Traditional shows return. And Shanghai quietly smiles.

2) “Galloping Lights” at Jinchao 8th Alley (今潮8弄): A Horse-Year Fantasy in Historic Lanes

First, welcome to one of the most creative Shanghai Spring Festival Events — and a favorite stop during Shanghai Chinese New Year.

Here, century-old Shikumen lanes meet modern light art. Then suddenly, glowing horses run through narrow alleys. Meanwhile, massive installations turn this quiet block into a dreamlike photo playground.

Next, explore pop-up markets. Later, catch live shows. However, don’t rush. Over 200 exhibitions, performances, and mini-events wait around every corner.

Finally, join the “Horse Hunt” photo challenge. Collect every lantern horse. Then trade your photos for a small souvenir. Simple. Fun. Very Shanghai.

Dates: Feb 6 – 13, 2027
Location: Jinchao 8th Alley, No. 35–95, Lane 989 Sichuan North Road, Hongkou District
（今潮8弄，虹口区四川北路989弄35–95号）
Entrance Fee: Free

Don’t miss: the lantern hunt. It turns wandering into a playful adventure.

3) Chinese Characters in the Sky at Shanghai Disney Resort

First, Mickey puts on Tang-style outfits. Then the castle turns red. Meanwhile, during Shanghai Spring Festival Activities, even fireworks learn Chinese.

This limited-time show becomes a highlight of Shanghai Chinese New Year Fireworks. Next, music rises. Lights sweep the sky. Finally, a glowing Chinese character “马” (Horse) blooms above the castle. Locals say it brings luck all year.

Arrive early. Then claim a spot in Garden of Imagination. Later, enjoy two nightly shows. However, check the official app for updates.

Dates: February 6 – 13, 2027
Location: Garden of Imagination, Shanghai Disney Resort
（上海迪士尼度假区 · 奇想花园）
Tickets: RMB 689–799
Showtimes: Around 8:00 PM & 9:15 PM (confirm in app)

Ruqin tip: arrive 30 minutes early for the best view — and the perfect “Horse in the sky” photo.

4) Heritage Fireworks Over Water at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park

First, skip land fireworks. Then watch the sky glow above the sea.

During Shanghai Chinese New Year Events, this park hosts one of the most unique Shanghai Spring Festival Fireworks shows. Meanwhile, drones dance with fireworks. Next, eleven national heritage arts take the stage. Later, you’ll see Yingge dance, iron flowers, and Sichuan face-changing — all in one afternoon.

However, don’t rush. Arrive after lunch. Watch heritage shows first. Then head to Antarctic Bridge for sunset. Finally, stay for the 7:30 PM drone-fireworks finale. It’s loud. It’s joyful. It feels very China.

Dates: February 06–13, 2027
Fireworks + drones: nightly from 7:30 PM
Location: Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, 166 Yinfly Road, Pudong
（上海海昌海洋公园，浦东新区银飞路166号）

Ruqin tip: performances start mid-afternoon. Come early. End with fireworks.

5) Fortune Walks in Fengjing Ancient Town: Jiangnan New Year Calm

First, leave the skyline behind. Then step into quiet canals and stone lanes.

During Shanghai Chinese New Year 2027, this water town offers one of the gentlest Shanghai Spring Festival Events 2027. Next, lace up comfortable shoes. Meanwhile, follow the “Fortune Walk” across old bridges. Collect stamps at 12 spots. Later, trade them for gift boxes and a Horse Year surprise.

However, don’t rush. Wander slowly. Sip tea. Watch locals chat by the water. Finally, on February 21, greet the God of Wealth parade and say “Gong Xi Fa Cai.”

Dates: February 06-–13, 2027
Location: Fengjing Ancient Town, No. 28, Lane 8588 Tingfeng Highway, Jinshan District
（枫泾古镇，金山区枫泾镇亭枫公路8588弄28号）
Tickets: About RMB 50 (some activities cost extra)

✨ Ruqin tip: arrive mid-afternoon. Stay through dusk. The town glows softly.

Practical Tips for Shanghai Spring Festival 2027

First, check subway hours daily. During Shanghai Spring Festival 2026, schedules may change. Use the Metro Metropolis app for updates.

Next, book tickets early. Disney and Yuyuan sell out fast. Online reservations save time. Then skip long lines.

Meanwhile, dress in layers. February feels cold, around 5–10°C. However, indoor heating runs warm. Wear a light jacket over sweaters.

Later, carry some cash. Mobile pay works almost everywhere. Still, water towns and street stalls prefer bills.

Finally, slow down. Festivals move quickly. Memories don’t.

Before You Leave Shanghai

Shanghai shines brightest during Spring Festival. Fireworks fade. Lanterns dim. Yet small moments stay. A warm bun. A quiet bridge. A stranger’s smile.

So walk slowly. Eat bravely. Look closer.

And let Shanghai tell you its New Year story.

Best Wishes
Ruqin

About the Author

 Ruqin is the founder of Ruqintravel.com and has spent more than four decades working in China’s travel industry. Drawing on hands-on experience in cities like Beijing and Hangzhou, he personally researches and updates each guide to help international travelers navigate China with confidence.

Further Reading

Shanghai Chinese New Year 2027: 6 Festive Ancient Towns
How to Visit Zhujiajiao Water Town: Tickets, Things to Do & Tips
Top Things to Do in Shanghai – Your Complete Guide
Top 10 Must Try Foods in Shanghai: A Visitor Guide
Top 10 Famous Buildings in Shanghai: How to Visit Them