Guangzhou, the vibrant southern Chinese metropolis, is set to host a magnificent array of cultural and tourism activities to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival. On December 16, Guangzhou unveiled ten major Chinese New Year activities for 2026, promising a festive season rich in tradition, innovation, and regional charm.
The highlight event, the highly anticipated 2026 Guangzhou Bai'etan Spring Festival Fireworks Display, will once again illuminate the sky over Liwan District's Bai'etan on the first day of the Chinese New Year, February 17, 2026. The show will feature a stunning combination of high-altitude fireworks, synchronized drone formations, and light art, narrating the city's storied commercial history and modern spirit. Prime viewing will be available along the banks of the Pearl River and on specially decorated dining cruise ships.
Further enhancing the festive atmosphere, the 2026 Guangzhou Lantern Festival Fair will run from January 30 to March 8, 2026, under the theme "Cantonese Rhythm, Lanterns in Bloom." It will adorn the city's central axis, including Yuexiu Park and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. Simultaneously, the 2026 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Lantern Festival will take place from February 10 to May 10 at Nansha's Tianhou Palace and Coastal Park, featuring a 90-day display that integrates advanced technology and light art.
For entertainment enthusiasts, the Guangzhou Haixinsha Carnival will debut ahead of Chinese New Year's Day. It will offer large-scale amusement rides, global cuisine, and over 500 pop-up stores. Music lovers can enjoy a series of Chinese New Year concerts, including performances by the world-renowned Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra at the Guangzhou Opera House and a special "GBA Music Gala" by the Orchestra Filarmonica Italiana.
The timeless tradition of flower markets will return across the city with unique local flavors. Yuexiu's Xihu Road market will highlight cultural heritage, while Tianhe's market moves back to the Tianhe Sports Center. Liwan District will host a distinctive waterborne flower market that integrates intangible cultural heritage.
Other notable activities include:
Vibrant "Village Gala" events in Conghua and Zengcheng districts from December 2025 through February 2026.
The iconic Yuexiu Temple Fair during the Lantern Festival along Beijing Road.
An invitation for nearly 100 international tourism influencers from 20 countries to experience Guangzhou's New Year celebrations.
A "Intangible Cultural Heritage Shopping Month" event in late January in Tianhe District, promoting traditional crafts.
A special "Year of the Horse" celebration at Guangzhou Chimelong Tourist Resort from January to March 2026.
To boost consumption, the city has launched co-marketing campaigns with platforms like Douyin, Tongcheng Travel and HopeGoo. Initiatives include a livestream series titled "Fireworks Guangzhou" and the "Blossom Guangzhou Pass" program, which offers over 15 million yuan in consumer benefits for travelers.
Guangzhou extends a warm invitation to visitors worldwide to immerse themselves in its unique blend of ancient tradition and modern dynamism during this festive season, promising an unforgettable "Guangzhou-style" Chinese New Year.
Author | Jiang Chang
Photo | Guangzhou Liwan Fabu
Editor | Wei Shen, James Campion, Shen He
