Spring getaways in Guangdong for flower festivals

Across Guangdong, spring flowers are coming into bloom, from cherry blossoms to bougainvillea. Flower-themed festivals such as the Huazhao Festival bring together flower viewing, folk rituals, Hanfu gatherings, and folk performances. Here's a guide to some of the province's must-visit spring getaways destinations.

Baomo Garden, Guangzhou (宝墨园)

Baomo Garden's annual Cherry Blossom Festival is underway. Pink and white blossoms fill the Lingnan-style gardens, set among pavilions, corridors, and ponds. The flowering season is expected to last until early April. A themed photo area inspired by film and TV has been set up for visitors, along with a weekend bazaar in March featuring traditional sugar painting, cherry-flavored snacks, and handicrafts.

(Photo: Baomo Garden)

Opening hours: 8:30–17:30 (last entry at 16:50)

Ticket price: RMB 54

Address: Dong'an Road, Zini Village, Shawan Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou (广州市番禺区沙湾镇紫坭村东安路)

Eighteen Arhats Mountain Forest Park, Guangzhou (十八罗汉山森林公园)

The park, with a highest point of 127.3 meters, features rolling hills and exposed rock formations typical of the Danxia landform. Seasonal flowers bloom throughout the year, including cherry blossoms in spring.

(Photo: Dagang Fabu)

The Fourth Nansha Cherry Blossom Festival runs through March 29 at the park. Key viewing areas such as Yunying Valley and Liying Garden are filled with cherry blossoms, alongside installations including floral displays and themed walkways. A market within the park brings together cherry-themed drinks, desserts, and cultural products, with Hanfu rentals available.

(Photo: Dagang Fabu)

Opening hours: 6:30–18:00

Ticket price: Free

Address: Fanrong Road, Dagang Town, Nansha District, Guangzhou (广州市南沙区大岗镇繁荣路)

Gankeng Ancient Town, Shenzhen (甘坑古镇)

Gankeng Ancient Town, one of Shenzhen's top ten Hakka villages, preserves traditional architecture including watchtowers, arcades, and ancestral halls. Bougainvillea are in full bloom now, climbing along white walls and lining the stone-paved lanes.

(Photo: Gankeng Ancient Town)

From March 8 to April 19, the scenic area's bougainvillea-themed cultural festival is being held, with installations and interactive activities across the town. On March 22, the Huazhao Festival will take place in Phoenix Valley, featuring traditional rituals, parades, performances, and craft experiences.

(Photo: Gankeng Ancient Town)

Opening hours: All day

Ticket price: Free (some attractions inside the town require separate tickets)

Address: No. 18 Ganli Road, Longgang District, Shenzhen (深圳市龙岗区甘李路18号)

Zhan Yuan, Zhongshan (詹园)

Zhan Yuan, also known as Zhongshan Grand Mansion Gate, is the largest private garden in the Lingnan area. The site includes pavilions, bridges, and winding corridors arranged around water, combining elements of Suzhou-style gardens with local water-town features. Its second Huazhao Festival, running from March 8 to April 19 this year, includes activities such as flower-themed ceremonies, boat parades, traditional games, and handicraft workshops.

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

(Photo: Zhongshan Zhan Yuan)

Opening hours: 8:30–17:30

Ticket price: RMB 60

Address: Along 105 National Highway, Beitai Village, Nanqu Sub-district, Zhongshan (中山市南区街道北台村105国道旁)

Xinghu Scenic Area, Zhaoqing (星湖旅游景区)

The Xinghu Scenic Area, which includes Seven Star Crags (七星岩), Dinghu Mountain (鼎湖山), and the Xinghu National Wetland Park (星湖国家湿地公园), enters its peak flower season in spring. Bauhinia, cherry blossoms, and golden trumpet trees bloom across the area.

(Photo: Xinghu Scenic Area)

On weekends in March, Seven Star Crags hosts flower-themed parades and flower-giving activities. The 2026 Xinghu Huazhao Festival from March 28 to 29 extends across Dinghu Mountain and Seven Star Crags, featuring flower-worship rituals, Hanfu parades, folk music, and immersive flower-themed experiences.