Chinese New Year (CNY) or Spring Festival or Lunar New Year is one of the most important festivals in China, and one that should be experienced first hand. Though it is a family-centric festival, there is a lot going on in Shanghai, that begs a visit to the city. If you are planning to be in Shanghai during this time, that is, February 19 till 25, then read on. This is a time when most folks — Shanghai residents, migrant workers and expats — go out of town for vacation and to spend time with their families. So when traveling to Shanghai, plan it such that you miss the major rush of travelers just before the holidays begin in China.