Shanghai unveils special Spring Festival package for expats

An aerial view captures the grand fireworks display at Shanghai Happy Valley in full bloom. [Photo/Shanghai Happy Valley]

Shanghai is offering a range of unique activities and services for expats as it aims to become the preferred destination for global tourists to experience the Chinese New Year of the Horse.

The city has introduced a "four-menu" package to provide an authentic Chinese New Year experience.

The package offers a "celebration menu" with horse-themed events in key business areas, a "global cuisine menu" utilizing Shanghai's over 9,700 international restaurants to provide dining discounts, an "e-commerce menu" for online shopping of festival products and local lifestyle services, and a "policy service menu" to support foreign businesses.

These offerings were launched at a special Spring Festival celebration on Feb 3, attended by over 70 expat representatives from consulates, multinational companies, and business groups in Shanghai.

Jiang Manzong, a master tailor, noted a growing interest among international tourists in custom-made qipaos, traditional Chinese dresses, especially with visa-free policies that enhance cultural connections.

Christopher Voigt, executive director of K.D. Feddersen China, shared his enjoyment of last year's customs, including writing Spring Festival couplets and attending reunion dinners, which deepened his appreciation for the holiday.

Expat representatives in Shanghai gather to celebrate the upcoming 2026 Spring Festival at a special event on Feb 3. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

An intangible cultural heritage exhibition booth attracts a curious expatriate to learn more about local traditions at the Spring Festival celebration event for expat representatives held on Feb 3. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]