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 Dec 16, 2025, Guangzhou unveiled ten major Chinese New Year activities for 2026, promising a festive season rich in tradition, innovation and regional charm.

A firework performance in Guangzhou. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

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, Feb 17. 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 Jan 30 to March 8, 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.

Yuexiu's Lantern Festival Fair. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]

Simultaneously, the 2026 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Lantern Festival will take place from Feb 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.

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.

A flower market in Yuexiu district. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]

The iconic Yuexiu Temple Fair will continue during the Lantern Festival along Beijing Road, with displays of traditional folk culture and folk crafts, food stalls and other activities.

About 100 international tourism influencers and their families from 20 countries will be invited to Guangzhou to experience the authentic Chinese New Year celebrations.