Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival shines brighter than ever with an extended route
The 2026 Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival launched Shanghai's Spring Festival celebrations with a larger layout on Monday.
The 36-day event is titled "Come Home for Chinese New Year." For the first time, the festival forms a six-zone route between Yuyuan Garden Malls, BFC Bund Finance Center, and parts of the Bund.
The new layout connects history, modern city life, and future ideas in a continuous walking experience, organizers said.
The Yuyuan Garden Folk Art Lantern Zone anchors the festival. The main display combines lantern making with digital lighting. Centrally, a rotating lantern displays scenes of Chinese New Year customs.
A large horse-themed lantern illuminates the nights for the coming Year of the Horse. Light effects create the image of flowers blooming beneath running horses.
At the Zigzag Bridge, lanterns inspired by ancient star systems and mythical animals reflect on the water. Digital light shows allow visitors to interact with the displays through mobile phones.
On February 1, BFC Bund Finance Center will join the festival with fashion-themed lanterns, pop culture installations, and riverside light displays. The area also hosts markets and exhibitions.
Ticket holders can use free parking at BFC for up to four hours.
Daily lantern-lighting ceremonies, street parades and short performances add to the experience. The markets sell snacks, gifts, and cultural products. Many restaurants are offering seasonal menus. One ticket grants access to all six lantern zones and includes shopping and dining discounts.
The Yuyuan Garden Folk Art Lantern Zone uses timed entry on peak days. It will be closed on Chinese New Year's Eve (February 16).
If you go:
Dates: Through March 3, 2026 (closed on Lunar New Year's Eve in the Yuyuan Garden Folk Art Lantern Zone)
Admission: 80 yuan (US$11.5), 50 yuan for children, seniors and eligible groups
Venue: Yuyuan Garden Malls 豫园商城
Address: 265 Fangbang Road M. 方浜中路265号
