Discover the ultimate Chinese New Year experience in Guangdong! From vibrant traditions to modern thrills, here are 16 reasons why you should celebrate the Spring Festival here.
1. The festive bloom of the flower markets
Experience "Flower Streets" (Flower Markets), a cherished Cantonese tradition. Buy flowers like kumquats (for good luck) and peaches (for ambition) to bring prosperity home. It's a colorful, fragrant start to the New Year.
2. Stroll through a sea of flowers
Wander through famous flower markets in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Foshan. For a unique twist, visit a floating flower market in Foshan and enjoy the celebrations on the water.
3. A dazzling display of lanterns
Be amazed by spectacular lantern fairs. See the massive "Awakening Lion" lantern in Guangzhou, the cross-city 2026 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Lantern Carnival featuring 85 lantern sets, and the cultural "Aoyu" (mythical fish) lanterns.
4. Spectacular fireworks throughout the city
Watch the skies ignite with stunning fireworks displays. Major highlights include the grand show over Bai'etan in Guangzhou and celebrations along the waterfront in cities like Qingyuan and Jiangmen.
5. The powerful Yingge Dance
Feel the energy of Yingge Dance, a powerful and ancient folk performance from the Chaoshan region. Its rhythmic drumming and heroic moves are guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit.
6. Lucky lion dances
Catch a vibrant Lion Dance performance, especially in its birthplace, Foshan. It's a thrilling spectacle believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
7. A fiery welcome to the Chinese New Year
Witness the breathtaking "Fengshun Fire Dragon" dance in Meizhou. Performers carry a dragon spewing fireworks through the streets, creating a truly unforgettable and red-hot celebration.
8. Dragons weaving through the streets
See magnificent dragon dances parading through cities and villages. In Shaoguan, you can even see a 399-meter-long dragon, the "Longest Dragon in Guangdong."
9. The New Year Feast (Nianli)
Experience the unique "Nianli" tradition in western Guangdong. Villages take turns hosting massive, open-invitation banquets with incredible food and folk art performances.
10. Handwritten calligraphy blessings
Watch master calligraphers skillfully write "Chunlian" (Spring Festival couplets) and blessings on red paper. It's a beautiful, personalized way to take home some New Year wishes.
11. A traditional Hakka New Year
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the Hakka people in Meizhou. See historic Tulou (earthen buildings) decorated for the festival and taste homemade delicacies like Ai Ban (mugwort cakes).
12. A city walk through history
Explore Guangdong's charming streets during the festival. Walk the ancient Song Dynasty walls in Zhaoqing, join the "Tongji Bridge Walk" in Foshan for good fortune, or admire the arcade houses (Qilou) in Kaiping and Zhongshan, all decked out for the holiday.
13. A warm winter "hot spring therapy"
Relax and rejuvenate in Guangdong's natural hot springs, the richest geothermal resource in China. From the tranquil "Zen springs" in Yunfu to the scenic forest baths in Huizhou and Qingyuan, it's the perfect winter getaway.
14. Meet the waves on the coastline
Escape to the beach along Guangdong's 4,100km coastline. Explore the islands of Zhuhai, relax on the "silver sand" of Shenzhen's Jinshawan, or witness the volcanic coastline of Naozhou Island in Zhanjiang.
15. A feast for your taste buds
Indulge in a culinary journey. From festive snacks like fried dumplings (角仔) and New Year cakes (年糕) to the freshest seafood and the essential "white-cut chicken," Guangdong is a paradise for food lovers.
16. A festive atmosphere you can feel
Experience the warm welcome everywhere you go. From airport staff in traditional Song Dynasty attire to special "lucky" announcements on the Shenzhen Metro and viral songs about famous transit hubs, Guangdong is ready to embrace you with open arms and good wishes.
Your journey to a memorable Chinese New Year starts here. Come and experience the magic of Guangdong!
Author | Jiang Chang
Photo | CCTV News
