Gallop into the Glow: Your Ultimate Guide to the 2026 Yuyuan Lantern Show in Shanghai

If there is one place in Shanghai where the past and future collide in a kaleidoscope of color, it is the Yuyuan Garden during the Spring Festival. As we enter the Year of the Fire Horse in 2026, the legendary Yuyuan Lantern Show is reaching new heights of spectacle. This isn’t just a lantern show; it is a "Double Fire" year event—a rare astrological occurrence that happens once every 60 years—promising an atmosphere of unparalleled energy, momentum, and light.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a Shanghai veteran, here is everything you need to know to navigate the 2026 festivities like a local.

For the first time, the 2026 festival has expanded beyond the garden walls into six distinct lantern zones, creating a glowing corridor that connects the historic Old Town to the futuristic Bund.

The "Flying Horse" at Nine-Turn Bridge: The centerpiece of the show features a massive, kinetic lantern installation of celestial horses that appear to gallop across the surface of the pond. Using a combination of traditional silk craftsmanship and hidden holographic projectors, the display tells the story of the "Fire Horse" leaping through the clouds.

The Shanhaijing (Classic of Mountains and Seas) Theme: Continuing its tribute to ancient Chinese mythology, the 2026 show introduces even more exotic beasts from the "Classic of Mountains and Seas." Look for glowing phoenixes, sea serpents, and celestial guardians tucked into the eaves of the Ming-style buildings.

AR Interactive Corridors: Throughout the bazaar, you will see digital "portals." By scanning QR codes with your phone, the lanterns "come to life" via Augmented Reality. You can watch digital dragons fly overhead or interact with virtual horses that respond to your touch on the screen—perfect for those unique Instagram reels.

The BFC Crossover: For the first time, the show extends seamlessly to the Bund Finance Center (BFC). This zone blends traditional lantern art with modern fashion, featuring "light sculptures" that reflect the sleek glass of Shanghai’s skyscrapers.

Eating at Yuyuan during the Spring Festival is a ritual of "consuming luck" for the year ahead. In 2026, the bazaar’s historic eateries are offering special menus that blend tradition with a modern twist. Here are the must-try bites that define the Shanghai New Year experience:

The Iconic Nanxiang Xiaolongbao: No visit to Yuyuan is complete without these world-famous soup dumplings. Known for their thin skins and exactly 16 delicate pleats, each dumpling holds a burst of rich, savory broth. For the 2026 festive season, try the Golden Crab Roe version, which symbolizes wealth. To eat like a local, nibble a small hole in the side to sip the hot soup first, then dip the rest in ginger-infused vinegar to balance the richness.

Sweet Unity with Ningbo Tangtuan: As you watch the lanterns, stop for a bowl of these poached glutinous rice balls. Filled with silky black sesame paste and a hint of osmanthus, their round shape is a symbol of Tuanyuan—family unity and completeness. In celebration of the Year of the Fire Horse, look for special editions featuring naturally dyed red skins, adding a vibrant, lucky glow to your dessert bowl.

Rising High with Shen Dacheng’s Rice Cakes: Grab some Tiaotougao (sticky rice cakes) from the famous Shen Dacheng stall to enjoy while you walk. These soft, chewy treats filled with sweet red bean paste are a holiday essential because the word for "cake" (Gao) sounds like the word for "high." Eating them represents the wish Nian Nian Gao, meaning you will rise higher in your career and life with every passing year.

Pure Traditions at Chunfeng Songyuelou: For a lighter break from the festive indulgence, head to this century-old vegetarian landmark. Their signature Vegetarian Steamed Buns are packed with finely chopped greens, mushrooms, and tofu. It is a local tradition to eat vegetarian during the New Year to "purify" the body and spirit, making these fresh, fluffy buns the perfect way to reset during your lantern tour.

To manage the massive crowds, the festival uses a timed-entry system for the main lantern zone.

Dates & Timing

• Duration: January 26 – March 3, 2026.

• Peak Days: Fridays to Sundays, and the official CNY holiday (Feb 17–23). Entry is from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

• Regular Days: Entry is from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

• Important Note: The lanterns will NOT be lit on February 16 (New Year's Eve).

Tickets

• Adults: 80 RMB

• Children (3-11 years): 50 RMB

• How to Book: Foreign tourists can easily book via the Trip.com or Klook apps, or search for the "豫园商城" (Yuyuan Garden Malls) WeChat Mini-program. It is highly recommended to book at least 2 days in advance.

Transportation

• Metro: Take Line 10 or Line 14 to Yuyuan Garden Station.

• Exit: Use Exit 1 for the most direct walk toward the bazaar.

• Pro Tip: Line 14 is generally less crowded and features a stunning, futuristic station design that is worth a photo itself!

• The 4:30 PM Arrival: Arrive an hour before the lights turn on. This gives you time to see the intricate details of the lanterns in daylight and secure a prime viewing spot on the Nine-Turn Bridge before the massive evening crowds arrive.

• Layer Up: February in Shanghai is damp and chilly. Wear thermal layers and comfortable, waterproof walking shoes, as you’ll likely spend 3-4 hours on your feet.

• The "Free" Loop: If tickets are sold out, don't worry! The lanterns in Gucheng Park (right next to Yuyuan) and along Fuyou Road are free to the public and offer spectacular views of the old architecture against the Lujiazui skyline.

The 2026 Year of the Horse is all about bold steps and unstoppable momentum. There is no more powerful way to experience the pulse of modern China than standing in the heart of its oldest district, surrounded by a sea of glowing dreams.