Festivals and Annual Events

This event occurs annually and the time is not fixed as it is planned on the basis of the lunar calendar. This is the most important in the traditional Chinese holidays and an auspicious time for the Chinese people. Loved ones are visited and special food is cooked and eaten. Red is the predominant color as is evident from the red lanterns seen hanging everywhere. Door frames are also painted red and gold. This is said to ward off evil spirits. Children are given gift money wrapped in red envelopes. Fireworks displays all over the city are a regular feature of the festivities. Merrymaking in the form of dancing also takes place, the most popular being the lion and the dragon dance. Celebrations are most intense at Longhua temple which is a scene of frenzied activity and vibrancy.

Fifteen days after the Chinese New Year, on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month the lantern festival is celebrated. It celebrates the joy of the warmth of the sun after a long and cold winter and marks the end of the New Year celebrations. Beautiful exotic lanterns are made which are of unusual shapes and designs. They are painted in bold and bright colors representing happiness and prosperity. The residents of Shanghai walk the streets in a parade with these beautiful lamps. The well lit up streets present a stunning view. Men with painted faces are also part of the parade.

This is an important event that occurs annually. It is a time for people to pay their respects to their ancestors who have passed away. Their graves are visited and washed clean. Some indulge in burning ghost money thought to be needed by their dead loved ones in the afterlife.

The famous Longhua Pagoda situated in grounds of the Longhua Park is the venue for this annual event. The ancient temple ground is surrounded by beautiful peach blossoms. This is a lovely time to visit the temple as hundreds of Shanghai's residents flock to the temple to pray and celebrate. Stalls selling traditional Chinese food, art, and crafts are set up. In the evening, the temple is lit up. The day of this event varies depending on the lunar calendar.

Tea lovers and tea producers make their way to Shanghai for this annual festival which lasts one whole week. China is renowned for tea thought to be excellent not just to satisfy one's thirst but as a cure for a number of diseases. Shennongshi an ancient chief about 5000 years ago, went about collecting leaves and plants of various varieties as he was very interested in medicine. It is rumored that during one such search he was poisoned a number of times and was saved by the tea leaves he had gathered which worked as an antidote. Since then tea has earned an important place in China's culture

This annual festival honors and celebrates the Chinese hero Qu Yuan who stood up against the emperor and drowned himself to protest the corruption of the Chinese royals. Dragon boat races take place whilst people eat delicacies like rice enveloped by bamboo leaves.

The bund is the location of this annual festival lasting well into July. Whilst locals flock to this festival it is mostly a large number of expats who love to visit the Bund at this time of the year to enjoy cheap beer. The atmosphere is extremely lively and fun filled.

This stupendous competition has participants from more than 14 countries worldwide. It showcases works by international choreographers, classical ballets and newer works using classical technique and Chinese folk dance to tell Chinese folk stories. Prizes are given to deserving participants, the highest prize in the competition being the Great China Prize, estimated to be worth 12,000 US dollars!

This four day long festival held every September is anxiously awaited for by Shanghai's art lovers and enthusiasts. The venue is the Shanghai Exhibition Center. Numerous artists display their contemporary art over here.

This is also known as the moon festival and is an annual event. It is a time for people to get together with their friends and families and enjoy their company whilst munching on delicious moon cakes. These moon cakes have a variety of fillings, such as egg, beef, red beans, lotus paste etc.

This three week long festival takes place annually across the city of Shanghai. One highlight of this festival is the shopping festival which also takes place during this time. Beginning in the middle of September it lasts till the first week of October.

This week-long event takes place annually, usually in the month of October. The venue is the Qi Zhong stadium. Tennis greats come here to fight it out. Roger Federer has won a number of trophies here.

This annual festival is the brain child of the Ministry of Culture. It lasts one whole month and includes a number of performances centered on dance, song, orchestras, opera, magic shows and other theatrical performances. The purpose is to promote both traditional Chinese culture as well as the culture of other countries.