For decades, visiting Shanghai meant following a familiar set of stops: the Bund at sunset, a stroll through Yuyuan Garden, perhaps a first glimpse of the skyline from Pudong. Increasingly, though, the city wants travelers to move beyond the checklist — and to describe Shanghai in their own words.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have added China’s Spring Festival to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The recognition celebrates the Spring Festival’s important role in fostering social practices and community spirit as the Chinese people welcome their traditional New Year. The designation will further boost Shanghai as a must-visit destination during this year ’s Spring Festival celebrations .