The Yuyuan Lantern Festival is a dazzling annual event in Shanghai, drawing visitors from across the city and beyond. With its vibrant light displays and traditional charm, it’s easy to see why the festival has gained such popularity. However, the massive crowds, long queues, and high costs can sometimes overshadow the experience if you’re not prepared. To help you make the most of your visit, I’ve compiled six practical tips based on my recent experience at the festival. Follow this guide to sidestep common pitfalls and enjoy the Lantern Festival to the fullest.
1. Navigating the Metro: Know the Closest Exit
Yuyuan Station’s Exit 7 is the closest to the festival, but due to crowd control measures, many visitors are redirected to Exit 5, which adds a 20–30 minute walk. If you want to use Exit 7, take the accessible elevator—it’s the fastest way to get directly to the garden.
2. Don’t Arrive Too Late
Contrary to popular belief, arriving late doesn’t mean shorter lines. I started queuing at 7:00 PM and only entered the garden by 8:00 PM. The crowd flow is constant, leaving little time to pause and enjoy the lights. By the time I reached the Nine Bend Bridge around 8:30 PM, it took nearly an hour to cross, and the lights were turned off at 10:00 PM. Arriving too late might mean missing the highlight of the festival entirely.
3. Think Twice About Nanxiang Soup Dumplings
While Nanxiang is known for its steamed soup dumplings, the price-to-value ratio is questionable. A meal for three adults and one child set us back over ¥500, making it one of the pricier options in the area. Consider enjoying other local delicacies instead.
4. Queue Times May Be Shorter Than Advertised
At the Nine Bend Bridge, you may spot signs warning of 180-minute wait times. Don’t let this scare you off—the actual wait from these signs is usually closer to 40–50 minutes.
5. Skip the Temple Snacks
The snacks at the City God Temple are overpriced and underwhelming. Despite trying around 10 different items, none stood out in taste or quality. For better options, head to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, where you’ll find more variety and better flavors.