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, are traditional customs returning. Most festivals mark the change of seasons or the dates of propitiation like 9th day in the lunar ninth month. They are also times to give gifts, family reunions and eating.
Traditional festivals in Shanghai are celebrated on dates that are based on the Chinese lunar calendar, which the month begins when the moon is new moon.
The crescent moon, which is defined with the moon’s fullness. according to according to the Gregorian calendar. The celebrations are celebrated on different dates each year.
The impact of holidays is minimal on businesses, with the exception of the government and some banks shutting down. However during New Year’s Day, during the initial three days of the Chinese New Year, and on National Day, most businesses are closed, as well as shops and other attractions. be closed, but some restaurants remain open.
January/February
New Year’s Day (Jan 1).
Spring Festival (Starts in late January to mid-February)
Chinese New Year celebrations continue for during the two first weeks of 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 take place at Yufo as well as the Baiyunguan temples.
April
Qingming Festival (April 4 & 5).
“Tomb Sweeping Day” is the best time for people to go visit graves of our ancestors and to leave food offerings and to burn ghost money – fake currency – to honor the deceased.
May
Labour Day (May 1).
Labour Day marks the start of a national holiday lasting for a week and every tourist attraction is busy.
Youth Day (May 4). In honor of the student protests in Tian’anmen Square , 1919, which led 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, therefore if you’re going to an area that is popular with tourists be prepared for a horde of children wearing white baseball caps.
September/October
Moon Festival
The 15th day of the 8th lunar month, it is called the Mid-Autumn Festival. It’s 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 eaten. 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 September 9, the day that falls on the lunar month, qualities like confidence and strength are honored. It’s believed that it’s an ideal time to be involved in to distill (and the consumption) in spirits.
National Day (Oct 1).
Everybody gets a week off to commemorate the birth of the People’s Republic, and state television is worse than usual, with shows celebrating the achievements that have been made by the Communist Party. In the”golden week” expect huge crowds all over the country It’s not the best period to fly.
November
It’s the Shanghai International Arts Fair sees the city’s cultural calendar for a whole month in the city’s art venues However, it’s best during the time that it’s the Art Biennale is in town.
Source:
The Rough Guide to Shanghai