Red Underwear, Reunions and 'Horse' Babies: Global Guests Fly in for Shanghai's Spring Festival

Boaz Vetter arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport with a suitcase on Friday, a 10-day leave from work, and a pair of red underwear – all prepared for the Chinese New Year just three days away.

The Dutch national is part of a growing wave of international travelers choosing to spend the Spring Festival in China.

Born in the Year of the Horse, Vetter took leave from his job and flew from Amsterdam specifically to celebrate the beginning of his zodiac year with his girlfriend's family.

"I am a Horse, so it is a good year for me to visit," Vetter said.

"The only thing I know is I should wear red underwear for good luck. The red underwear is prepared, and I'll be wearing it during the festivities."

Vetter, who arrived early to avoid the holiday traffic jams, is not alone in his curiosity.

In the past two weeks, flight bookings to China by foreign tourists for the Spring Festival period have surged more than fourfold compared to last year.

This boom is supported by a record-breaking year for Shanghai tourism. The city received 9.36 million foreign visitors in 2025, nearly 40 percent more than the previous year.

While port data shows 5.66 million travelers entering China directly through Shanghai, the higher total visitor count reflects the city's appeal as a final destination for travelers from other domestic hubs. Tourism accounted for 58.5 percent of all entries, followed by business, family reunions, and employment.

Nearly 60 percent of those entering through Shanghai used visa-free or transit policies, a direct result of China expanding unilateral visa-free access to 48 countries and mutual visa exemptions with 29 countries.

At Pudong airport's Terminal 2, the "China Travel" experience begins at the gate. The airport has launched a horse-themed greeting, featuring red arches and staff members dressed in traditional mamianqun (horse-face skirts).

"We want foreign passengers to experience Chinese culture the moment they arrive," said Zhang Lei, assistant manager of the Passenger Service Center at Shanghai International Airport Ground Services Ltd.

"We offer activities like writing 'Fu' characters and sowing 'seeds of hope' on cards to share the festive spirit."

Near a calligraphy booth, Chinese travelers were seen teaching newcomers a linguistic trick: turning the red "Fu" (fortune) character upside down.

Because the Chinese word for "upside down" sounds like the word for "arrived," the gesture symbolizes that fortune has come.

Alfredo Quirarte, a Mexican national who has lived in Shanghai for two years, stopped to watch the festivities.

Returning from a business trip in Seoul, South Korea, he is preparing for his first traditional New Year's Eve dinner with his wife's parents in the city.

"I know they are cooking something special and we are taking some gifts," Quirarte said. "In Mexico, we usually celebrate the New Year with friends at a party at midnight. Here, it is all about the family."

Vesba Dragojevic flew from Croatia to visit her husband, who has worked in Shanghai for many years. Despite previous visits, she has never been to China in February.

"I've only seen the dragon dances and lanterns on TV," Dragojevic said. "I think it will be magnificent and magic. I'm just happy to be here with him."

Education and curiosity also drew younger travelers. Kilian Schaefer, a German student, decided to visit after seeing the festival on his calendar. He will visit and stay with a classmate from Tongji University whom he hasn't seen in six months.

"I bought a book about China and the Chinese New Year before my flight," Schaefer said. "It is the biggest event in the world because so many people take part in it. I'm lucky to be part of it."

While some come for the history, others are also focused on the future.

A couple, Ahn Min-chul and Lee Seung-min from South Korea, took a five-day holiday to visit the Bund and the Yuyuan Garden lantern show. They have a specific list of foods to try, including Shanghai-style barbecue and traditional dumplings.

Married for one year, they have a personal wish for the new zodiac cycle.

"It is the Year of the Horse," Lee said. "Maybe we would like to have a baby. That is what we are wishing for."

To manage the influx of travelers, which is expected to reach 15.53 million across Shanghai's two airports during the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush through March 13, bilingual volunteers are stationed in the arrivals area.

They help overseas travelers with essential tasks like connecting to Wi-Fi and finding SIM cards.

"If we help them with these small hurdles, their first impression of Shanghai is much better," said Ye Mengfan, a bilingual volunteer.

The Dutch traveler Vetter pulled his suitcase toward the taxi queue, joining the rush of travelers heading into the city. He scanned the terminal's festive displays – red lanterns and zodiac horse patterns – that offered a preview of the four days ahead.

"I've never seen the Spring Festival before," Vetter said. "It's about family. This year, I finally get to be part of it."