Another year is rolling around, and likely a lot of us are feeling a bit unsettled being away from families and homes, with borders that are still pretty much tightly closed. So let’s plan ahead and make the most out of the upcoming weekly break that we』ll be spending in or around Shanghai.
We can’t promise to stay away from the crowds, as Shanghai during any major festival is nothing but a sea of people, but we will do our best to stay healthy and entertained. Stroll along the Bund, pop into one of the hotels for a quick look and stay for brunch or tea, or take the ferry to the other side of the river and climb up one of the towers.
M on the Bund can also adapt to kids palette and, if you forgot their entertainment they can cater to your little ones.
Cool Docks is a great choice. It gives you a close view of the river and you can see the boats up close. Consider taking lunch at Kathleen's Waitan and be mesmerized by the view. if you have kids, they can whip up something suitable for your child (just call in advance).
If you need some quiet time, you can also enroll your child into one of these Chinese New Year camps.
No Chinese New Year guide would be complete without a suggestion to check out Yu Garden and its surroundings. The decorations are festive, there’s plenty going on even if you don’t catch any organized activities. It really is fantastic. Check.
Yu Garden
Address: 168 Fuyou Road
**During pandemic times certain sites may be closed in order to contain the outbreaks. If the recommendation we made is closed, try to go back again when the risk level is lower. **
Take a day trip to a place a bit farther than just across the street (Changfeng Park, New Hongqiao Park, Gucun Park, Minhang Sports Park, Sheshan National Forest Park, and Meilan Lake are just some of the options).
Here are more parks for your inspiration: 25 Parks In & Around Town to Celebrate Spring
Changfeng Park
189 Daduhe Road
New Hongqiao Central Park
97 Yili Road
Gucun Park
4788 Hutai Road
Sheshan National Forest Park
9258 Waiqingsong Gong Road
Plan a staycation downtown or in the suburbs (but be aware that lots of places may be booked out already, or have higher prices and stricter travel guidelines may be announced anytime). How about the Portman Ritz Carlton, or the Pudong East Shangri-la?
Explore the city like a tourist: get your camera and take a walk around the neighborhood, see the buildings, see the people, see everything that we’re often too busy to really see for more than a few seconds while hurriedly passing by. Stop by a friendly hole-in-the-wall for some baos or dumplings.
Do something that made you really excited when you were a child (or before you had kids), and takes your kids with you. How about plane watching? You can find great plane-watching spots outside Hongqiao Airport around 479 Huqingping Road and 2263 Tianshan West Road. For more places, scroll down and click on "Read More".
Hit up an exhibition! The National Geographic exhibition, teamLab Borderless, Centre Pompidou x West Bund Museum Project: The Shape of Time are all accepting children).
National Geographic Photo Exhibition
838 Huangpi South Road
teamLab Borderless
Bldg. C-2, 100 Huayuangang Road
Centre Pompidou x West Bund Museum Project: The Shape of Time
2600 Longteng Avenue
Don’t miss out on some truly wintery activities. Go ice skating at Parkside Joy City Ice World.
Photo credit: Shanghai WOW!
Parkside Joy City Ice World
196 Daduhe Road
Or if you have no plans, slow down and engage in regular daily life activities. Stay at home and cook together, attempt to Marie Kondo your closets, sort toys, paint, draw and do crafts together, whip out board games, build a fort or an obstacle course and keep it for a few days. There is enough in our lives to be enjoyed without a special occasion.
We wish everyone a safe Chinese New Year!
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