It’s that time of year once again, and everyone knows it. Halloween has arrived in China, and it came early in 2024! As the holiday falls on a Thursday, festive spirits couldn’t wait, and people began wearing costumes as early as a week in advance. Though Halloween originated in the West, the holiday has slowly been embraced by people across China, where it’s becoming a popular celebration of costumes, creativity, and playful scares.
In cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou, Halloween has inspired locals to go all out with extravagant costumes and makeup, turning the streets into a theatrical experience — not even heightened restrictions in Shanghai could completely stop the fun. People of all ages are getting involved, and social media has been flooded with pictures and videos showcasing everything from DIY ghostly attire to elaborate anime character costumes and tributes to famous Chinese celebrities. In a fun mix of Western and Chinese styles, Halloween in China now boasts a diverse collection of costume styles that is entirely unique.
Shanghai, as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in China, is often at the forefront of such trends. While people once again took to the streets in costume, posing for pictures and attending parties to celebrate, this year Halloween festivities in Shanghai had a slightly different feel, marked by more controls and restrictions compared to previous years. On the weekend before Halloween, October 26th and 27th, the popular nightlife destination of Julu Road saw heightened police presence, complete with fences around popular areas. Numerous bars canceled their usual Halloween events, and Zhongshan Park, near another popular entertainment area, closed early on October 27th, ostensibly to avoid crowd buildup.
One might think these measures would put a damper on the celebrations, but this wasn’t entirely the case. Though many bars and parks opted out of hosting large-scale events, Halloween enthusiasts in Shanghai still found ways to celebrate. People gathered in large amusement parks like Happy Valley and Shanghai Disney Resort, where dressed up individuals created an animated atmosphere. These parks allowed them to parade their costumes and enjoy the holiday spirit in designated spaces. Also, it’s important to note that Shanghai’s restrictions around Halloween this year were not mirrored across all Chinese cities.
On Chinese social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu and Douyin, users from cities including Chengdu and Guangzhou shared photos and videos of their Halloween looks and experiences. In Chengdu, people joined themed parties and costume parades, while in Guangzhou, neighborhoods were transformed with spooky decorations and public gatherings. Popular costumes this year included everything from classic Disney characters to Huawei’s Mate XT phone, reflecting a blend of local and Western influences. Halloween might be a borrowed tradition, but China is making it its own, showcasing the creativity and enthusiasm of its young people.
Banner image shows Halloween revelers in Hangzhou, via Fengxiaoxu on Xiaohongshu.
