Spring Festival Spectacles Light Up Guangzhou

By Rachel Wu

As the Year of the Horse approaches, Guangzhou is preparing for a Spring Festival like no other.

In 2026, the city is embracing its rich cultural heritage while welcoming cutting-edge innovation, creating a spectacular season of celebration.

Here’s a glimpse of what to expect.

Bai'etan Fireworks: Lighting Up the Night

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The celebration begins on the first day of the Lunar New Year, February 17, 2026, with a majestic fireworks display at Bai'etan.

The fireworks will be accompanied by drone formations and light art performances, blending the city’s ancient trading spirit with its modern vibrancy.

It’s an evening that promises to evoke memories of ancient poetry: “The east wind scatters blossoms like a thousand trees at night, blowing down stars like rain.”

New Spring Lantern Festival

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From January 30 to March 8, the city will glow with the New Spring Lantern Festival, held under the theme 'Cantonese Charm in Lanterns: Galloping Through the Flower City.'

The lanterns will tell the story of Guangzhou’s 2,000-year history, connecting iconic landmarks like Yuexiu Park and Zhongshan Memorial Hall with light displays.

It’s a journey through time, where each lantern glows with a memory of the city’s past and future.

Nansha Greater Bay Area Lantern Festival

Image via Nansha Fabu

For those seeking something beyond tradition, the Nansha Greater Bay Area Lantern Festival, running from February 10 to May 10, invites visitors to explore the future.

Spanning 90 days across Tianhou Palace and Binhai Park, this grand spectacle combines the magic of lanterns with the pulse of technology.

With five unique zones—from cyberpunk horse-themed lanterns to AI-driven exhibits—the festival is a celebration of both progress and heritage.

Visitors will feel the energy of the Bay Area’s rapid growth, experiencing a fusion of light, tech, and culture in a way that has never been done before.

Bonus: Haixinsha INNO Carnival

Image via Haixinsha INNO Carnival

Before the Spring Festival kicks off, the Haixinsha INNO Carnival will make its debut, offering a blend of fun, food, and entertainment.

With thrilling rides and over 500 pop-up shops, this carnival brings an entirely different vibe to the pre-festival excitement, giving people of all ages a chance to celebrate before the official season begins.

Source : ThatsGuangzhou