A rural Chinese New Year journey across Guangdong

As the Chinese New Year approaches, Guangdong's countryside offers an immersive way to welcome the festival. From ancient villages to flower-filled fields, these rural destinations attract visitors to experience festive traditions up close—while tasting local flavors and picking up distinctive souvenirs as part of the ongoing "Guangdong Goods Global Reach" campaign, which promotes local products worldwide.

Shawan Ancient Town, Guangzhou (沙湾古镇)

With a history of more than 800 years, Shawan Ancient Town preserves a classic Lingnan village layout of stone steps and narrow lanes. Oyster shell walls, ancestral halls and wok-ear houses form a living backdrop for folk arts and local customs tucked into historic buildings. Sampling local Cantonese snacks and desserts is also an essential part of the visit.

(Photo: Guangzhou Panyu Fabu)

During the Chinese New Year, the town usually comes alive with lion dances, lantern displays, traditional Cantonese wedding rituals, intangible cultural heritage exhibitions and bustling markets. After dark, colorful lanterns hanging over the streets glow, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere.

(Photo: Guangzhou Panyu Fabu)

Local specialties: Fish skin dumplings, preserved olives, jizaibing (chicken biscuits), fried rice cookies, water buffalo milk–based desserts, etc.

Address: No. 64 Daxiangchong Road, Shawan Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou (广州市番禺区沙湾大巷涌路64号)

Millennium Yao Village Scenic Spot, Qingyuan (千年瑶寨)

For a different Chinese New Year ritual, the Millennium Yao Village in Liannan offers an immersive ethnic cultural experience. Built along mountain slopes, the village is known for its wooden stilted houses and rich Yao cultural heritage. Visitors can walk through the village in traditional attire, explore handicraft markets, and enjoy Yao song-and-dance performances while learning about local history and daily life.

(Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province)

From February 18 to 23 (the second to seventh day of the Chinese New Year), the village will celebrate the Wanpo Festival, also known as the Yao people's traditional "Valentine's Day," with a variety of activities. Blessing ceremonies, folk parades, long-drum performances, and bonfire gatherings fill the village from morning to night, offering an authentic experience of Yao New Year rituals.

(Photo: Qingyuan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

Local specialties: Yao silver ornaments, Yao rice wine, black rice, Yao-style cured pork, Fuzhu (dried tofu skin), honeysuckle products, etc.

Address: Nangang Village, Sanpai Town, Liannan Yao Autonomous County, Qingyuan (清远市连南瑶族自治县三排镇南岗村)

Baihou Town Tourist Area, Meizhou (百侯名镇旅游区)

Located in Hounan Village and Houbei Village in Dapu County, Baihou Town boasts well-preserved Hakka architecture and deep cultural roots. The area features many Ming- and Qing-dynasty residences, including several former official houses. Visitors can take part in hands-on traditional activities such as rubbing prints, pitch-pot throwing, archery, and other classical games.

(Photo: Baihou Town Tourist Area)

During the Chinese New Year, villagers' carp lantern dances will animate the streets, symbolizing wishes for success and good fortune. On the Lantern Festival, the centuries-old Dragon Pearl Lantern performance will add to the festive atmosphere.

(Photo: Baihou Town Tourist Area)

Local specialties: Baihou thin pancakes, Baihou dried beef, rice cakes, stuffed tofu, etc.

Address: Northeast of the intersection of S221 and Chunhui Road, Dapu County, Meizhou (梅州市大埔县S221与春晖路交叉口东北方向120米)

Yakou Village, Zhongshan (崖口村)

Nestled between mountains and the sea, Yakou Village is known for its rice fields, mangroves and coastal scenery. During the Chinese New Year season, blooming cosmos flowers spread across the fields, turning the village into a popular photo-taking destination. Visitors can enjoy coffee among the flowers, stroll along the street lined with colorful container shops, and sample local snacks.

(Photo: Nanlang Fabu)

Fresh seafood is a highlight here, whether enjoyed at restaurants overlooking mangroves or in local claypot rice dishes. A newly launched train–themed accommodation project will operate during the Chinese New Year holiday, offering a nostalgic stay with views of rice fields and light-rail trains.

(Photo: Zhongshan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

(Photo: Nanlang Fabu)

Local specialties: Yakou Piaose cultural creative products, Yakou fragrant rice, mud crabs, etc.

Address: Yakou Village, Nanlang Sub-district, Zhongshan (中山市南朗街道崖口村)

Cloud Nine Hot Spring, Huizhou (云顶温泉)

At the foot of Nankun Mountain in Longmen County, Cloud Nine Hot Spring is surrounded by forests and known for its natural mineral-rich waters. Built along the mountainside, the resort features 172 indoor and outdoor pools tucked among bamboo groves and rock formations, offering a tranquil soaking experience.

(Photo: Huizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

During the Chinese New Year, visitors will enjoy themed activities including traditional games, paper-cutting, calligraphy experiences, fireworks and bonfire gatherings. A festive highlight is the playful "fortune duck catching" activity in the hot springs, adding a festive touch to the holiday experience.