The Year of the Snake Lantern Festival officially lit up on January 31 at the INLET commercial center in Hongkou district.
The event, part of the "Joyful Journey to Hongkou Chinese New Year" celebration, marks the beginning of cultural, sports, tourism, and business activities for the year. It aims to honor Chinese holiday traditions while adding an international touch.
Shanghai officials, including Hongkou District Party Secretary Li Qian, joined other local leaders at the ceremony. They lit the lanterns to open the event, which promotes regional economic growth through cultural exchange and tourism.
Chinese New Year: A Global Celebration
Chinese New Year, a festival with over 4,000 years of history, is a vital part of Chinese culture. This year, the Year of the Snake, is celebrated after it was newly listed as a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage.
During the ceremony, the official mascot of the Hongkou 2025 Spring Festival, "Hongkou Qing Qing," was unveiled.
Renowned calligrapher Ding Shenyang wrote a special couplet for the occasion: "See the auspicious snake of Shanghai bring good fortune, and watch Hongkou embrace the New Year with prosperity."
In the run-up to the event, the district organized a "Hidden Character Spring Couplets" activity. Thousands of local residents participated in creating over 3,000 original couplets, which included themes of reunion, cultural heritage, gratitude, and good wishes for the future.
The couplets also featured modern elements like "low-carbon, civilized, fashionable, and harmonious" living.
The festival also attracted international participants, including a resident from Nigeria, who performed a Chinese rap and tongue-twister.
Students from Shanghai International Studies University, including those from the United States, Russia, and seven other countries, also joined in.
They took part in traditional Chinese activities such as lantern displays and shopping at the New Year markets, gaining deeper insight into the significance of Chinese New Year.
Lantern Festival Bridges Cultures
The Lantern Festival at the INLET combines historical charm with modern design. The alley, a blend of old and new Shanghai, is home to the sea lanterns inspired by both Chinese and Western myths. Visitors also enjoyed an exhibition of "Shanghai-style" animation, showcasing the best of China's animation legacy.
The festival included a variety of traditional New Year activities such as lantern-making, calligraphy, and fish-light displays.
Visitors flocked to see large-scale light installations, each telling a story from Chinese mythology. The lanterns represent tales of ancient snakes from Chinese texts like the Shan Hai Jing, or the Classic of Mountains and Seas and legends from other cultures, such as Roman and Egyptian snake gods.
The festival also featured a New Year's market, performances of traditional music, and cultural exhibitions. Visitors could shop for New Year goods, enjoy local performances, and explore the cultural displays.
The Lantern Festival was not only a display of light but also a platform for cultural exchange and appreciation.
Meanwhile, the "Snake Turns Luck" garden at the INLET gave visitors a chance to try their hand at traditional crafts, from making lacquered lanterns to participating in Chinese folk games.
The surrounding alleys featured a range of performances, including a traditional Chinese music performance and local dancers performing with fish-shaped lanterns.
The commercial center also hosted an animation exhibition titled "With Beauty Alongside," showcasing eight classic Chinese animations, including The Carrot Pulling and The Story of Chinese New Year. The exhibit brought iconic animation scenes to life and allowed visitors to engage with the stories behind the characters.
The exhibition also featured a treasure hunt, "Super Time Traveler," where visitors could interact with actors playing animated characters, solving puzzles and learning about the deeper meanings embedded in Chinese animations.
2025 Hongkou Must-See List Released
The district also released its "Must-See List" for visitors during the New Year season. The list highlights the best activities and places to visit, helping tourists easily find exciting events.
The "Must-See List" includes more than 200 events, ranging from the Lantern Festival to the 6th Shanghai Sinar Mas Plaza International Ice and Snow Festival. Other recommended activities include special New Year markets, traditional performances, and immersive theater experiences.
The district’s shopping centers, including Ruihong Tiandi and the INLET, have special New Year markets and exclusive pop-up shops for the holiday.
The "Must-Buy List" offers suggestions for New Year’s gifts and special deals, while the "Must-Eat List" features traditional dishes served at local hotels like the Sofitel in North Bund and the W Hotel.
The district also released a "New Year Shopping Season Map," guiding visitors to the best shopping experiences across Hongkou.
The "Hongkou Selections" platform has also been updated to help local businesses engage with customers through discounts and special offers.
These efforts are part of a broader initiative to foster growth in cultural, business, and tourism sectors. The "Hongkou Selections" platform promotes high-quality local merchants and provides a way for residents to access exclusive discounts on cultural and leisure events.