Plan for a CNY holiday? Baiyun Mountain has lanterns, flowers and skyline views

If you're staying in Guangzhou for the Chinese New Year and wondering where to go, Yunluo Botanical Garden on Baiyun Mountain might be one of the most atmospheric options this season.

Its 2026 Spring Flower & Lantern Festival officially opened on February 6 and runs through March 15, and this year it comes with something new: the garden is open at night for the first time.

A lantern-enjoying walk in the mountains

Instead of a typical city-square lantern fair, this one is set inside a botanical garden. Fifteen large lantern installations are set along forest paths, near streams, and on open lawns, turning the entire garden into a glowing landscape after sunset.

Skyline views

One of the highlights is the elevated Kapok Path leading up to the Kapok Terrace viewing platform. From there, you can see Guangzhou's skyline in the distance while the lanterns glow below, a rare combination of mountain scenery and city lights.

Flowers by day, lights by night

During the daytime, the garden features seasonal floral displays, with lilies and hydrangeas arranged throughout the landscape. There's also a small flower market at the entrance selling popular Chinese New Year plants like orchids, which is a nod to the Cantonese tradition of welcoming the new year with fresh blooms.

Interactive performances and events

From February 17 to 22 and on March 3, visitors may encounter roaming performers in traditional costume, try lantern riddles, write wishes, or explore small festive market stalls offering local snacks and handicrafts.