Shanghai is preparing for the , 2026, Year of the Horse with a series of cultural and commercial events, most notably a Shanghai-style garden fair launched in the city’s historic Jing’an district. The initiatives aim to integrate culture, tourism, and commerce as the Lunar New Year approaches.
The centerpiece of the early celebrations is a haipai (Shanghai-style) Spring Festival garden fair at Zhangyuan, a historic site within Jing’an district. The fair, which opened on , 2026, has transformed the century-old shikumen complex into a cultural venue, according to reports.
The Spring Festival, also known as Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It is a time for family reunions, festive meals, and cultural performances. The Year of the Horse, beginning in 2026, is anticipated with particular enthusiasm, as the horse is often associated with vitality, energy, and success in Chinese culture.
Shanghai’s efforts to blend cultural celebrations with tourism and commerce reflect a broader trend in China, where local governments are increasingly leveraging traditional festivals to boost economic activity and promote cultural heritage. The focus on haipai culture is particularly significant for Shanghai, a city renowned for its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences.
Haipai culture, meaning “Shanghai-style,” emerged in the early 20th century as Shanghai opened to foreign trade, and influence. It is characterized by a cosmopolitan outlook, a fusion of traditional Chinese and Western aesthetics, and a vibrant artistic scene. The Spring Festival garden fair at Zhangyuan is designed to showcase this distinctive cultural identity.
The initiatives in Jing’an district are part of a wider series of Spring Festival celebrations taking place across Shanghai’s suburbs and districts. The Shanghai municipal government has encouraged districts to develop unique festival experiences to attract both domestic and international visitors, as reported by the Shanghai government’s English-language website. These experiences range from historic town visits and scenic park explorations to creative museum exhibits and themed fairs.
The emphasis on cultural tourism comes as China continues to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government is keen to stimulate domestic consumption and attract foreign tourists, and cultural events like the Spring Festival celebrations are seen as a key component of this strategy. The Year of the Horse is expected to be a particularly strong year for tourism, given the positive symbolism associated with the animal.
Zhangyuan, the site of the haipai garden fair, holds significant historical importance for Shanghai. The shikumen architecture, a unique blend of Chinese and Western styles, is a defining feature of the city’s urban landscape. Preserving and revitalizing historic sites like Zhangyuan is a priority for the Shanghai government, as it seeks to balance economic development with cultural preservation.
The launch of these Spring Festival activities in Jing’an district signals Shanghai’s commitment to celebrating its cultural heritage while embracing economic opportunities. The integration of culture, tourism, and commerce is expected to create a vibrant and engaging experience for both residents and visitors, contributing to the city’s continued growth and development as a global hub.
Further details regarding the specific events and attractions at the Zhangyuan garden fair are expected to be released in the coming days. The Shanghai government is promoting the Spring Festival celebrations as a key event for the Year of the Horse, inviting people from around the world to participate in the festivities and experience the unique charm of Shanghai’s haipai culture.
