Around the 2026 Chinese New Year holiday, Chaozhou Ancient City in south China's Guangdong Province will roll out a vibrant lineup of festive activities that blend local cuisine, intangible cultural heritage, and immersive performances. The city invites visitors to explore markets, enjoy authentic flavors, and experience the unique cultural charm of Chaozhou, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Chaozhou food market
Time: 15:00–21:00, February 8–March 3
Venue: Baihuatai Square, northern section of Paifang Street (潮州古城牌坊街北部百花台广场)
The food market will showcase Chaozhou's signature dishes and snacks. Approximately 35 curated stalls will offer classic local specialties, while festive Yingge dance performances and interactive games during the first seven days of the Chinese New Year will create a lively holiday atmosphere.
Cultural & creative market
Time: 9:30–22:30, February 1–March 3
Venue: Northern Paifang Street, near Xiangqiao District Central Kindergarten (潮州古城牌坊街北段/湘桥区中心幼儿园段)
This market features 30 creative stalls selling original cultural products, intangible heritage crafts, and Chaozhou-style beverages, all set amid red lanterns and traditional decorations.
Stamp-collecting experience
Time: 9:30–22:30, February 14–23
Venues: Bingmasi Forest on southern Paifang Street, Xiangqiao District Central Kindergarten on northern Paifang Street, Xiashui Gate, Kaiyuan Temple, Guangji Tower, and Baihuatai Visitor Center (牌坊街南段兵马司林, 北段湘桥区中心幼儿园, 下水门, 开元寺, 广济楼, 百花台游客服务中心)
Visitors can collect stamps at themed backdrops and redeem gifts, with daily prize draws and photo opportunities featuring the "Fulou Monkey" mascot.
Fire show & Yingge dance carnival
Time: 18:30–21:30, February 17–21
Venue: Fenghuangzhou Park (凤凰洲公园)
Yingge dance, fire acrobatics, and live performances will light up the night, alongside intangible cultural heritage workshops and food streets offering family-friendly interactive experiences.
Ancient city wall intangible heritage bazaar
Time: 16:00–21:00, February 17–23
Venue: From Guangji Gate to Xiashui Gate City Wall (广济门城楼至下水门城楼段)
With heritage stalls, evening music performances, and interactive activities, the ancient walls will come alive with a blend of tradition and festive cheer, offering a refined Chinese New Year experience rooted in history.
Author | Huang Xinying
Photo | Nanfang Plus
