Shanghai Yu Gardens: Chinese New Year Festivities

China; INCREDIBLY BUSY Yu Gardens for Chinese New Year

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation:24.9 million
China; INCREDIBLY BUSY Yu Gardens for Chinese New Year
Tim Chambers2024-02-085 min

Join me as I visit the incredibly busy Yu Gardens decorations for the beginning of Chinese New Year, going into the Year of the Wood Dragon in 2024. The main festivities begin on the evening of the 9th February this year, which might explain why everything was so busy with only one day to go.

Chinese New Year is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. In Chinese, the festival is commonly referred to as the Spring Festival as the spring season in the lunisolar calendar traditionally starts with lichun, the first of the twenty-four solar terms which the festival celebrates around the time of the Chinese New Year. Marking the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season, observances traditionally take place from Chinese New Year's Eve, the evening preceding the first day of the year, to the Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the year. The first day of Chinese New Year begins on the new moon that appears between 21 January and 20 February.

Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture, and has strongly influenced Lunar New Year celebrations of its 56 ethnic groups, such as the Losar of Tibet, and of China's neighbours, including the Korean and Vietnamese New Years, as well as in Okinawa. It is also celebrated worldwide in regions and countries that house significant Overseas Chinese or Sinophone populations, especially in Southeast Asia. These include Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is also prominent beyond Asia, especially in Australia, Canada, Mauritius, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as in many European countries.

The Chinese New Year is associated with several myths and customs. The festival was traditionally a time to honour deities as well as ancestors. Within China, regional customs and traditions concerning the celebration of the New...

--- Tim Chambers
February 8, 2024, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Chinese New Year at Yu Gardens
  2. 0:09Spectacular Lights in East Shanghai
  3. 0:39Navigating crowded entrances
  4. 1:33More lights and decorations
  5. 2:36Long queue for the bridge
  6. 3:06Defined route through gardens
  7. 3:52Main square and 2024 lanterns
  8. 4:18Fast exit strategy
  9. 5:12External vendors and crowds
  10. 5:30Brief visit conclusion

Tim Chambers explores Shanghai's Yu Gardens during the incredibly busy Chinese New Year celebrations, witnessing stunning light displays and experiencing the vibrant energy firsthand.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Be prepared for large crowds, especially during peak seasons like Chinese New Year. Plan your route in advance and be aware that popular attractions may have long queues. (0:39)
  2. Tip 2Check for queue times before committing to long waits for attractions. Consider alternative routes or times to avoid excessive delays. (2:36)
  3. Tip 3Follow designated routes and signage within crowded areas to ensure a smoother and safer experience. Pay attention to one-way systems. (3:06)
  4. Tip 4Explore alternative exits or less crowded areas to avoid lengthy queues and optimize your time. Sometimes a less direct route is faster. (4:18)
  5. Tip 5Take advantage of external vendors and street food options for a more authentic and affordable dining experience. (5:12)

Experience the vibrant energy of Shanghai's Yu Gardens during Chinese New Year with Tim Chambers! This video captures the breathtaking beauty of the light festival, the bustling crowds, and the unique atmosphere of this special time. Tim navigates the throngs of people, showcasing the stunning lanterns and decorations while sharing his personal insights into this incredible cultural event. A must-watch for anyone planning a trip to China during the Lunar New Year!

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China; INCREDIBLY BUSY Yu Gardens for Chinese New Year

This video follows Tim Chambers' journey through the spectacular Yu Gardens in Shanghai during the Chinese Lunar New Year, specifically the Year of the Dragon. The video highlights the incredibly busy atmosphere, a stark contrast to the usual experience. Tim skillfully navigates the crowded streets and entrances, initially encountering exits-only pathways before finding his way into the main event.

The sheer scale of the celebration is evident, with thousands of people enjoying the festive decorations and vibrant lights. The video captures the stunning visual spectacle of lanterns, dragons, and the overall festive ambiance. Tim notes the presence of numerous food vendors catering to the large crowds, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Despite the massive crowds, Tim points out the well-managed flow of people through designated routes, preventing chaos. He cleverly avoids a three-hour queue to cross a bridge within the gardens by opting for a faster exit route. Throughout his journey, he emphasizes the security presence and the overall feeling of safety within the bustling environment.

The video offers a glimpse into the cultural significance of the event, although Tim wisely avoids detailed explanations of Chinese New Year traditions, focusing instead on his personal experience and observations. He concludes his visit with a sense of wonder and excitement, having successfully navigated the crowded gardens and witnessed the beauty of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The video offers a unique perspective on a popular tourist destination during a high-demand period.

Shanghai Yu Gardens: Chinese New Year Festivities

Join me as I visit the incredibly busy Yu Gardens decorations for the beginning of Chinese New Year, going into the Year of the Wood Dragon in 2024. The main festivities begin on the evening of the 9th February this year, which might explain why everything was so busy with only one day to...

Shanghai Yu Gardens Chinese New Year Light Festival

Experience the vibrant energy of Yu Gardens in Shanghai during the incredibly busy Chinese New Year celebrations. Witness the dazzling decorations and bustling crowds as the Year of the Wood Dragon commenced. Learn about the significance of Chinese New Year, its rich traditions, and its global influence. Discover the captivating atmosphere of this ancient festival, a blend of cultural heritage and modern excitement.

Attractions in this video: Yu Gardens