Chinese New Year – Spring Festival, or "The World's Largest Human Migration," take your pick – is here. The biggest holiday on the calendar means family reunions, massive dinners, baijiu hangovers, and enough red envelopes (hongbaos!) to keep WeChat pinging non-stop.

For Shanghai's expats, though, it's a different story. No hometown treks, no ancestral traditions, and no family interrogations about your love life. Some hop on planes to escape winter, while others stick around to enjoy the rare quiet of an emptied-out Shanghai. And some of you might be Shanghai newbies.

So...we caught up with three expats staying in town to see how they're doing CNY in Shanghai. Might give some of you some ideas.

Tara Castro Grimnitz – The Curly Fry Connoisseur with 18 Years in Shanghai

CNS: Tell us a bit about your background, how long you've lived in Shanghai, and if it's more than fast waimai drivers that keep you here?

A: Hi there! My name is Tara, and I'm originally from the Philippines, but I've been living abroad since I was 11.

I've been in Shanghai for 18 years now! I moved here with my parents because of their jobs – we were only supposed to stay for two years, but we never left. I went to high school and university here, then decided to stick around for work too. Eventually, I started my own marketing and events company.

Shanghai is where I grew up, so it's home for me. My family and work keep me here (and maybe the fast waimai drivers too! This is one thing I love about Shanghai, Klay, Zup, Xibo right to my door.

CNS: After experiencing Chinese New Year many times, what do you look forward to or do differently each year? Do you switch it up or stay predictable to the placemat descriptions of your zodiac animal?

A: I usually stay in during CNY – it's my time to relax and spend time with my parents, and, of course, my doggy Lulu.

And here's something random: If you know me, you know I love McDonald's! For holidays, they often add something new to their menu. During CNY, there's one thing I get super excited about and wait for every year–CURLY FRIES!

My dad and I have this little tradition where we check their app each year to see if they're back. If they are, we order a bunch and share them. We give a bit to my mom too… but honestly, it's mostly for us! And I always try to order them more than once, like every other day, because they don't stay on the menu for long. I've already ordered them 10 times. Don't judge me…

Since I do it every year, I guess that makes me predictable…

CNS: How has your understanding or appreciation of Chinese New Year traditions evolved over the years? Besides your McDonald's curly fries love of course....

I think CNY, like any holiday, is all about taking a break from your fast-paced city life and spending time with yourself, friends, and family. But in Shanghai specifically, it's appreciating the city in slow-mo mode. Getting together over FOOD and more FOOD. I mean, the curly fries are a yummy bonus. But it's really all about spending time with your family, dogs, and friends. <3

Dennis Casey Park – Vegas Showstopper Turned Shanghai Spring Festival Pro

CNS: Tell everyone about yourself, Dennis! I know you have an interesting background as a Vegas performer, but what keeps you coming back to Shanghai for Chinese New Year?

My name is Dennis Casey Park, and I've been in the entertainment business my whole life. My father was a world-famous acrobat and a great singer, and my mother was a Broadway dancer and actress. I sang in my first show when I was 4 years old at the Chicago Theater alongside my father when he was performing there.

So that's a bit of my background. I first came to Shanghai in 1996 for a meeting about doing a documentary, and I met a young woman who became a friend for years. In 2011, we became a couple and got married a few years later. She is Shanghainese, of course, and her family and business are here, so we split our time between Las Vegas and Shanghai – two great cities!

CNS: Being here for the holiday, do you find yourself fully immersed in the celebrations with family, or are you sneaking in a little Dennis time?

When in Shanghai for the Chinese New Year, we mostly do traditional things. We get together with the family, have a big dinner, go to the Buddhist temple at night, and do fireworks when allowed. It's a lot like Thanksgiving in the US – a family gathering.

CNS: As someone with a foot in two worlds, what aspects of celebrating Chinese New Year in China feel different from the ones you've spent in Vegas?

In Las Vegas, it's a big event with many parties, concerts, events, and fireworks! Many top Chinese musical acts appear, and it's very festive with huge decorations. It feels more like American New Year's Eve – lots of fun and celebrations!

So, "Happy Chinese New Year," and wishing everyone a great year ahead!

Mike Pistili – Destroyer of Dumplings and Holiday Gym Strategist

CNS: Tell us a bit about your background, how long you've been in Shanghai, and whether you've mastered the art of navigating every gym closure during the holiday.

I'm Mike Pistilli, and I've been coming to China for the last nine years, living here permanently for about four of those years. Originally, I came here doing consulting in the fitness industry, but now I work full-time as an influencer KOL, creating content primarily focused on fitness, food, and culture. People have probably seen me on their Xiaohongshu (Red Note) or Dianping feeds. I think I've been to just about every major gym Shanghai has to offer. Fortunately, even when they close for the holidays, I have everything I need in my home gym!

CNS: Besides anything at all work-related, what are you planning for the holiday to chill and relax personally?

If you've ever seen my content, you'll know I'm the biggest fan of dumplings, even outside of CNY. I typically order 60–100 dumplings at a time and devour them all with vinegar. When I go out, my go-to spot is "曼曼汤包" (Manman Tangbao), which makes my favorite xiaolongbao in the city.

This CNY, I plan to relax and rest, spend time with my friends who are also staying in Shanghai, and, of course, hang out with my cats.

CNS: What's the most memorable or unexpected thing you've experienced during a Chinese New Year in Shanghai or elsewhere in China?

The most memorable experience I've had during CNY was last year when my friend invited me to her hometown in Chengdu to meet her family and celebrate together. It was incredible to experience the holiday in a more intimate, family-centered setting, offering a different perspective from the slowed-down vibe in Shanghai. Being invited into their family home was very touching and meaningful.

Signing Off..

Whether you're jetting off to Bali, hunkering down with 100 dumplings, or chasing curly fries on Dianping, Chinese New Year is all about fresh starts. Happy Spring Festival, and here's to a prosperous Year of the Snake!