Public holidays and festivals in Shanghai

The rhythm of the festivals and religious ceremonies that were once utilized to commemorate the Chinese calendar were shattered by the Cultural Revolution, and only in the past forty years later, is the old customs resurfacing. Most festivals mark the change of seasons or the dates of propitiation like 9th day in the lunar ninth month. They also serve as occasions to give gifts, family reunions and eating.

Traditional festivals in Shanghai are celebrated according to the Chinese lunar calendar, which the month begins with the moon being new one.

The crescent moon, as well as the mid-month is defined with the moon's fullness. according to calendars such as the Gregorian calendar. These holidays occur on a different day each year.

The impact of holidays is minimal on businesses, with the exception of the government and some banks shutting down. However the day of New Year's Day, during the first three days of Chinese New Year, and on National Day, most businesses stores, restaurants and tourist attractions will be closed, although some restaurants remain open.

January/February

New Year's Day (Jan 1).

Spring Festival (Starts between the end of January to mid-February) Chinese New Year celebrations continue for 2 weeks in the initial two weeks lunar year.

March

Guanyin's Birthday

Guanyin Guanyin, god of mercy, and perhaps China's most adored Buddhist deity, is honored on the 19th day of the lunar second month. Celebrations will be held in the Yufo along with the Baiyunguan temples.

April

Qingming Festival (April 4 & 5).

"Tomb Sweeping Day" is the day when people visit tombs and graves your ancestors and leave food offerings and even burn ghost money - fake currency in honor of the deceased.

May

Labour Day (May 1).

Labour Day marks the start of a national holiday lasting for a week that is when the tourist attractions are busy.

Youth Day (May 4). In honor of the student protests in Tian'anmen square in 1919 that gave birth to the anti-Imperialist, nationalist movement.

May

Fourth Movement.

Visit attend the First National Congress of the CCP and you'll be able to see thousands of young people being taught.

June

Children's Day (June 1).

A majority of students go on trips at this time of year, so if you're at an area that is popular with tourists be prepared for a horde of youngsters sporting white baseball caps.

September/October

Moon Festival

The 15th day of the lunar eighth month, it is called the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is a time for celebration of family reunions, accompanied by firework displays and lanterns. In Shanghai there's an evening parade that runs along Huaihai Lu. Moon cakes, with an incredibly sweet filling made of paste, are consumed: most restaurants with a glitzy decor offer them on their menu.

Double Ninth Festival

The number Nine has been that's associated with masculine energy. On 9th day in the lunar month, traits like confidence and strength are recognized. It's believed that it's an ideal time to be involved in to distill (and drinking) of alcohol.

National Day (Oct 1).

Everybody gets a week off to commemorate the establishment of the People's Republic, and state television is more bleak than usual, brimming with shows celebrating the achievements that have been made by the Communist Party. In the"golden week" expect huge crowds everywhere It's not the best moment to go on a trip.

November

It's the Shanghai International Arts Fair sees an entire month of cultural events at the city's venues for the arts however, it's most exciting in the summer when you're in town when the Art Biennale is in town