Unveiling the 2025 CNY Eve Events in Shanghai
Shanghai—where ancient rituals merge with the rhythm of modern life—transforms into a city of wonder during the Lunar New Year. The arrival of the Year of the Snake is marked by ethereal bell-ringing ceremonies, a tradition as old as the legends themselves. For the international traveler, these events breathe life into a culture rich with symbolism and awe.
The Resonance of Bells and Drums
Amid the flickering candlelight and the soft murmur of prayers, the ringing of bells reverberates. Each toll pierces the star-studded night, carrying with it centuries of belief. The sound is said to chase away evil spirits lurking in unseen realms, to summon blessings of prosperity, and to welcome a year filled with possibility. Witnessing this ancient practice places you at the crossroads of celebration and reverence, an experience unlike any other.
1.Donglin Temple
January 28, 2025 | 8:30 PM - 1:00 AM
Address: No. 150 Donglin Street, Jinshan District, Shanghai
Donglin Temple beckons with its air of serenity. The night begins as visitors light incense for peace and follows with an auspicious Buddhist ceremony held under the watchful eyes of deities in the Guanyin Pavilion. When the clock strikes midnight, 108 distinguished guests will ring the temple’s sacred bell. Soon after, the Fortune Bell will sing, its echo said to bring light and luck to all who hear its chime.
Tip:The Five Buddhas Crown, shrouded in mystic allure, will be closed during the ceremonies. Yet, its absence only adds to the temple’s otherworldly charm.
2. Longqing Temple
January 28, 2025 | 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Address: No. 690 Wenbin Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai
Nestled within the city’s vibrant streets, Longqing Temple invites wanderers to partake in joyous chants and rhythmic bells. Feel the vibrations of centuries-old rituals as each toll heralds your wishes for the year ahead. Midnight culminates in a crescendo of harmony, as the bell’s sound weaves through the crowd, uniting them in shared hope and festivity.
3. Fuqian Temple
January 28, 2025 | Midnight
Address: No. 11 Wenti Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Stories whisper that at Fuqian Temple, the deep chime of its ancient bell binds participants to their wishes. Here, 36 selected individuals and 200 guests gather for a cross-year ritual. Each participant is gifted a sacred Luminous Pendant, a glowing reminder of this extraordinary night and the blessings it bestows.
Note:Space is limited, and early reservations are almost essential to secure your role in this rare ceremony.
4. Yihao Chan Temple
January 28, 2025 | 10:30 PM - Midnight
Address: No. 12 Jinxing Street, Qingpu District, Shanghai
At Yihao Chan Temple, the ambiance is serene yet tinged with the electric anticipation of a new beginning. As the bell rings out into the sky, its sound carries prayers for prosperity, health, and the well-being of families—a potent melody of unity that stays with you long after it fades.
5. Qingpu Guanyin Temple
January 28, 2025 | 11:00 PM
Address: No. 175 Sanxing Street, Qingpu District, Shanghai
Qingpu Guanyin Temple stands tall, its historic walls a silent witness to countless Lunar New Years. By ringing its Auspicious Bell, visitors not only celebrate the dawn of the Year of the Snake but also send ripples of peace and harmony into the world.
6. Jinshan Dajue Temple
January 28, 2025 | Time TBD
Address: No. 5008 Huinong Village, Jinshan District, Shanghai
At Jinshan Dajue Temple, the ringing of the Fortune Bell is a lyrical call for blessings of health, wisdom, and happiness. Though shrouded in mystery, the ceremony promises to envelop you in an unforgettable blend of tradition and tranquility.
A Singular Experience Awaits
The Lunar New Year in Shanghai is far more than a moment in time—it’s a celebration of heritage, a tapestry of traditions that tie the modern city to its ancient roots. To stand in the glow of lanterns, incense smoke curling into the night sky, and hear the bells ring out is to find yourself immersed in a story as old and enduring as the culture itself.
For the curious traveler, these bell-ringing events offer more than just photos or souvenirs; they are your passport to a world of spiritual depth, cultural connection, and unforgettable memories.
Will you answer the call of the bells this Year of the Snake?