If you’re spending Chinese New Year in Shanghai, the Yuyuan Lantern Festival (豫园灯会) is an absolute must-see. Vibrant, immersive and deeply atmospheric, this iconic celebration transforms the historical Yuyuan area into a glowing wonderland of traditional lantern art, modern light installations, festive food and citywide cultural energy.
The 2026 Shanghai Yuyuan Lantern Festival officially lit up on Jan 26 and runs through March 3, lasting 36 days. This year marks a major upgrade: for the first time, the festival expands beyond its traditional venue into six interconnected districts, stretching from Yuyuan to the Bund and BFC (Bund Finance Center), forming a continuous cultural and sightseeing route through central Shanghai. Expect an experience that combines lantern viewing, strolling, dining, shopping and cultural discovery — perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned Shanghai travelers.
Tickets & admission information
Free-admission areas:
BFC Bund Finance Center
Gucheng Park (古城公园)
Fangbang Zhong Lu (方浜中路)
Fuyou Lu （福佑路）
Bund public areas
Ticketed area:
Yuyuan Garden Folk Lantern Art Zone (豫园民俗艺术灯区)
To ensure crowd safety and a comfortable experience, this core area of the lantern festival operates with timed-admission tickets.
Ticket prices: 80 yuan ($11.53)
Admission hours:
Peak days: Friday-Sunday, Feb 17-23 (2026 Spring Festival holiday), and March 3 (2026 Lantern Festival)
Hours: 2 pm-10 pm
Regular days: All other days
Hours: 4 pm-10 pm
Important note: No lighting or ticket sales on Chinese New Year’s Eve (Feb 16).
Tickets:
Available via the official Yuyuan Garden ticketing mini-program (search:豫园票务) and major ticket platforms.
Highlight:
BFC×POP MART collaboration
Popular designer toy IPs such as LABUBU, MOLLY, Hirono, BABYMOLLY, and SKULLPANDA are featured — perfect for photo ops and especially appealing to younger travelers.
Best walking route & must-see lanterns:
Central Plaza
Nine-Turn Bridge
Golden Plaza
Ninghui Lu (凝晖路)
Huxinting Teahouse
Yuyuan Old Street
Where to eat:
Nanxiang Steamed Bread Shop (南翔馒头店)
Lyubolang Restaurant (绿波廊)
Chunfeng Songyue Tower (春风松月楼, vegetarian restaurant)
Songhe Noodle House (松鹤楼面馆)
Dexing Restaurant (德兴菜馆)
Yuyuan Food Court (豫园食集)
White Rabbit Candy Shop (大白兔)
Practical tips before you go:
Entry is managed via QR code; please note that screenshots cannot be used.
Each ticket is valid for one entry only. If you plan to re-enter, a new ticket will be needed.
Pets are not permitted, with exception of guide dogs on a leash.
Tickets grant access to Yuyuan Garden Folk Lantern Art Zone only; nearby attractions require separate admission tickets.
On peak days, entry may stop after 7:30 pm due to capacity limits. To avoid waiting, consider arriving before 5 pm.
Be sure to keep your ticket – it may be used to enjoy special discounts and small perks at over 80 partner merchants across Shanghai, including dining discounts, shopping vouchers and parking benefits at BFC.