Shanghai has unveiled an ambitious cultural tourism program for the upcoming 2026 Spring Festival holiday, featuring an impressive lineup of approximately 2,570 diverse events and activities. The Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism announced the comprehensive initiative designed to create immersive experiences for both residents and visitors during the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations.
The extensive program encompasses festival activities, cultural performances, museum exhibitions, and specialized showcases. Among the highlights are 353 themed tourism activities complemented by 54 science-focused events specifically tailored for younger audiences. These educational offerings include interactive exhibitions, specialized classes, 4D cinematic experiences, and performance fairs that blend entertainment with learning.
Performance arts take center stage with 1,369 scheduled shows spanning various genres. The diverse repertoire features large-scale concerts, traditional Shanghai-style performances, children’s theater productions, and international spectacles including London’s West End musicals. Sports enthusiasts can anticipate the Spring Festival tennis star match at Shanghai stadium, scheduled from the second to fifth day of the lunar new year, which will showcase veteran tennis players, social media influencers, and crossover celebrities.
Museum offerings include nearly 50 special exhibitions exploring themes from Shanghai-style qipao fashion to ancient Roman culture, with particular emphasis on celebrations for the Year of the Horse. Art galleries contribute to the cultural feast with over 100 premium exhibitions across 60 venues, including prestigious collections on loan from the Louvre and dedicated showcases featuring Picasso’s works.
The program also highlights intangible cultural heritage with activities running from mid-January through the Lantern Festival on March 3. These experiences focus on culinary traditions, lantern festivals, calligraphy demonstrations, riddle events, and traditional craftsmanship workshops.
To enhance accessibility, 60 tourist attractions will offer substantial discounts including half-price admissions and zodiac-specific promotions. These venues will feature traditional craft demonstrations, pet-friendly celebrations, and specialty markets, alongside integrated accommodation packages. Donghu Group has introduced over 50 ‘accommodation+’ holiday packages, while Shanghai Jiushi Group offers the ShanghaiPass cultural tour joint ticket for 299 yuan ($42.88), providing access to 20 landmark cultural venues and discounts at nearly 50 restaurants throughout the city.