Chinese New Year is approaching, and the Year of the Dragon looks set to be a good one. Shanghai typically empties out over the Spring Festival period, but there's still plenty happening if you're planning to stay in town over the holidays. Here's a round up of what's going on:

Closures…

Shanghai is a fickle city when it comes to food and beverage. The past few weeks have seen stalwarts like La Saleya Gourmet and the Wulumuqi Lu branch of Zest closing their doors. Another sad loss is the intriguing and unique airplane-themed D10 Ultra Lounge at Datong Mill, which made its last flight earlier this month. Guitar buffs will lament the loss of the Gibson store on Hengshan Lu, and rotisserie chicken fans will have to look elsewhere after Commando Chicken Express plucked its final fowl a couple of weeks ago.

Openings…

However, it's not all doom and gloom. Springtime is traditionally a time for renewal and rebirth, and Yongjia Lu is flourishing again after neighbour disputes caused the temporary closure of Inferno and Pepito. The good news is that both venues are now open again. Anyone who likes hidden Japanese sochu bar Mokkos will welcome the news that a second branch has opened on Jinling Lu. Tibetan barmaid Lamu is taking the reins at the original Wuding Lu bar, which will now be known as Mokkos Lamu. The new building is called Mokkos Jiao. If you were in Shanghai around 2006, you'll remember the original Mazzo Lounge. A new version has opened in the Shanghai Culture Square building Maoming Nan Lu near Yongjia Lu.

On the food scene, Shanghai has been gifted with another Thai restaurant in the form of Herbs on the Julu/Fumin crossroads. Initial reviews aren't super-positive, but the golden location should attract plenty of through-trade. Just down the street on Xiangyang Lu is French brasserie, bistro and winebar La Fourchette, while down on Shimen Lu near Beijing Lu, a Russian restaurant called Matryoshka has recently opened.

What's on…

Without a doubt, Shanghai's favourite ballet is Swan Lake, and there are two individual performances happening this month. The first is by the Shanghai Ballet and will be staged on January 14th and 15th. Choreographed by Derek Deane, it promises to be an avian feast for the eyes and ears. Tickets range from 100 RMB to 380 RMB. If you miss that one, the Moscow Ballet is in town between January 24th and 27th to perform Tchaikovsky's classic at the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Tickets are 180 – 880 RMB.

As for nightlife, the main event over the next week or so is DJ Pete Herbert at Lola on January 13th. Formerly the owner of the Atlas Records shop in Soho, Pete plays a mixture of Balearic leftfield disco, house, funk and dub. He takes to the decks at 10pm, and entry is free.

If you're not too tired the night after, head to Zeal to see French hip hop DJ Cut Killer supported by Hip Hop Hijack. For 100 RMB you get entry plus a drink. The event starts at 9pm.

In the news…

Now it's easier than ever to get online in Lujiazui thanks to Shanghai Mobile's "wireless Lujiazui Financial City" scheme. If you're standing within the 1.7 square kilometres that make up the designated area, you'll get full wireless coverage. Get on a bus on the "1 Financial City" public line, and you'll enjoy financial news streamed directly to your mobile device.

And finally, there's some good news for Metro commuters who can't live without McDonalds. A branch of the golden arches has opened a McCafé at the exit of the People's Square transit station, covering around 50 square metres. 

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Keywords: shanghai news January 2012 restaurant openings Shanghai events in Shanghai 2012 Chinese New Year Shanghai