An increasing number of international visitors are flocking to Shanghai to celebrate the Chinese New Year, immersing themselves in local customs for an authentic travel experience.
The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, fell on Jan 29 this year. During the festival season, a variety of traditional cultural activities are being held in Shanghai, allowing foreign visitors to experience traditional Chinese culture.
In Shanghai's downtown area of Huangpu District, the Tianzifang neighborhood attracts visitors from around the world. The vibrant streets, adorned with festive decorations and lined with boutique shops, offer a glimpse of old Shanghai life and a wide range of unique souvenirs.
"We don't need any visa. Now it's comfortable for us. We have tea, hand cream inside for gifts and these are cookies," said French tourist Romain Michelet.
In addition to shopping for souvenirs, many foreign visitors embrace local traditions, with some opting to try on the traditional Chinese dress qipao. This close-fitting dress is known for its graceful silhouette and intricate embroidery.
"That's why I thought about buying a nice dress because I knew you need to buy new clothes before the New Year. It's really beautiful. I like it. It's a really nice tradition and I feel really beautiful in the dress," said Belgian tourist Lucy Desiree.
The Qipao shop owner Shou Renxin told China Media Group (CMG) that the surge in foreign tourists has led to a significant increase in sales.
"Foreign visitors not only buy qipaos but also take home unique Chinese silk scarves or embroidered items as gifts for their families. Our sales have increased by about 10 percent, driven by the spending of inbound foreign travelers," she said.
Since China expanded its unilateral visa-free entry policies in late 2024, the flow of foreign tourists to the Tianzifang area has surged. In response, local tour agencies have introduced new activities including free half-day tour for inbound visitors to enhance their travel experience.
"We've integrated Chinese New Year celebrations, including the Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival, into our tour packages. Foreign visitors prefer to explore these bustling, authentic areas," said Wang Dan, the public affairs manager of a local travel agency.
Many foreign tourists are also seeking a more unique experience by celebrating the holiday in Shanghai-style guesthouses. Data from travel agency shows that during the Spring Festival holiday, bookings for guesthouses by international visitors have surged by 2.3 times compared to last year, with old Shanghai-style houses growing in popularity.
"I want to experience a culture different from South Korea's in person, visit some beautiful landmarks, and feel the unique aspects of Shanghai," said a tourist from South Korean.
Shanghai has also rolled out measures to facilitate travel for international visitors, including upgraded payment systems in key commercial districts and improved services in luggage storage and public transportation.
"For me it's quite easy because I just take the metro day pass, so I can just check in, check out anytime. So for me that's very easy and with the paying, you just pay with Alipay and that's very easy. So, yes, it's very convenient for me," said a Dutch tourist.
Foreign visitors embrace authentic Chinese New Year experiences in Shanghai
