Jiading district kicks off 2026 New Year Shopping Festival

The Nanxiang Incity Mega shopping complex in Jiading. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]

Shanghai's Jiading district has kicked off its 2026 New Year Shopping Festival, aiming to boost consumer spending and create a festive atmosphere for both residents and visitors.

As the Chinese New Year of the Horse nears, the district will host nearly 50 promotional events, promising a vibrant and exciting shopping season for all.

Running until March, the festival complements Shanghai's citywide New Year Shopping Festival, encompassing major holidays like New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, and the Lantern Festival.

A district commerce official emphasized Jiading's strategic use of local resources from shopping complexes and cultural venues to plan events that highlight regional characteristics.

Central to the festival are the "Two Surprises" and "Five Themes". The "Two Surprises" include the "Horse Hunt Surprise", which features horse-themed checkpoints and decorations where participants can earn vouchers and gifts, and the "Shopping Surprise", offering promotions like flash sales at major malls like Nanxiang Incity Mega.

The "Five Themes" aim to combine cultural, tourism, and commercial elements to stimulate local consumer activity. "Trade-in for Renewal" promotes eco-friendly upgrades with subsidies, "Taste of Jiading" showcases local food specialties, "Night Enjoyment" extends shopping hours with live music and parades, "New Year Performances" include cultural shows and exhibitions, and "Festive E-commerce" blends online and offline shopping to support local brands.

A nighttime shopping scene in Jiading. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]

A fish lantern parade creates a festive atmosphere in Jiading. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]