HOME

On January 21, Guangzhou unveiled its grand cultural and tourism calendar for the 2026 Lunar New Year. The city has planned over 2,000 festive activities across six major themes, promising an immersive experience rich in Lingnan tradition, vibrant urban energy, and cultural charm.

To share its unique festive spirit globally, Guangzhou will invite over 80 global tourism influencers from 20 countries and regions around the Lantern Festival to explore local customs, cuisine, and culture, with their experiences broadcast worldwide via social media.

Festival Highlights:

🔥 Fireworks Gala
The highly anticipated Spring Festival fireworks show will light up Bai'etan on the evening of February 17. A stunning 45-minute spectacle will fuse high-altitude pyrotechnics with drone displays, blending traditional and contemporary themes.

🏮 Lantern Festivals
Two major lantern festivals will illuminate the city. The Greater Bay Area Lantern Fair will run from February 10 to May 10 in Nansha district, featuring trendy IPs and cutting-edge tech. Meanwhile, the Guangzhou Spring Lantern Fair, from January 30 to March 8, will adorn landmarks like Yuexiu Park and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, showcasing the city's heritage.

💐 Flower Markets & Exhibitions
All 11 districts will host traditional flower markets starting February 4, each with unique characteristics. Major parks will also hold themed floral displays — from tulips at Yuntai Garden to orchids at Canton Orchid Garden — ensuring a continuous bloom of colors throughout the festival period.

🎭 Performances
Over 200 public performances will be presented, including the dance drama Awakening Lion from January 24 to 28 and the English-language original musical The Phantom of the Opera, which will run for 24 shows.

🎁 Shopping & Gastronomy

From late January to the Lantern Festival, a grand Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Shopping Month will take place at Huacheng Square. It will feature over 100 national ICH projects, interactive zones for local crafts like Gambiered Canton Gauze and Canton Enamel, and a wide array of festive delicacies from across China.

Source: Guangzhou Daily
Reporter: Chen Weiwei
English author & editor: Lyu Yun