As the Lunar New Year celebrations continue, Dongguan is set to light up the night with spectacular Lantern Festival events! From cultural fairs and folk performances to interactive experiences and dazzling lantern displays, the city is offering a diverse array of festivities across its towns and districts. Whether you're a fan of traditional Chinese heritage, thrilling performances, or delicious festive treats, there's something for everyone.
Songshan Lake
On February 12, Songshan Lake will transform into an 80,000-square-meter immersive wonderland at ULAND Cultural and Art Park. In the evening, a grand intangible cultural heritage parade will take over the area, featuring the Kylin Dance from Qingxi, the all-female Dragon Dance from Chang'an, the Grass Dragon Dance from Hengli, the Puppet Show from Dalang, and Cantonese Opera performances from Machong.
The event will also include impressive acts like the Lion Dance, the Mo’s Family Martial Arts from Qiaotou, Face-Changing from Sichuan Opera, and the vibrant Yingge Dance from Chaoshan.
Location: ULAND Cultural and Arts Park, Songshan Lake
Date: 19:00-21:00, February 12
During the afternoon, the Greater Bay Area Intangible Cultural Heritage Market at Tonghu Lane will showcase local crafts and delicacies such as Henghe Rice Cakes, Hakka Pastries, and other local attractions from Wangjiang, Shilong, Guancheng, Liaobu. Over 30 traditional crafts like cloisonné enamel, filigree jewelry, embroidered hairpins, and ancient papermaking techniques will also be on display, with hands-on workshops available for visitors.
Location: Tonghu Lane, Songshan Lake
Date: 14:00-21:00, February 12
In the evening, head to ULAND-B Zone for a Lantern Riddle Contest, where participants can test their knowledge of traditional Chinese culture, local Dongguan facts, and New Year customs in a beautifully illuminated setting.
Location: B Zone, ULAND Cultural and Arts Park, Songshan Lake
Date: 15:00-21:00, February 12
Keyuan Museum
At Keyuan Museum, a Lantern Festival Cultural Fair will blend classical elegance with modern festivities, creating a unique celebration that enhances the city's cultural and tourism appeal.
Location: Keyuan Museum
Date: February 12
Naval Battle Museum
Families with children should not miss the Lantern Festival Experience at the Naval Battle Museum, where kids can dress in ancient costume, learn palace etiquette, and try their hand at making traditional palace-style pastries.
The highlight of the event is the exhibition of Cultural Relics in the Collection of the Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum, featuring exquisite artifacts from the museum.
Location: Naval Battle Museum
Date: February 12
Guancheng
From February 9 to 12, Dongguan Sign will host a Lantern Festival Garden Fair, offering visitors the chance to make oil-paper lanterns, release floating lights, and join a vibrant Fish Lantern Parade.
Location: Dongguan Sign Zone I
Date: February 9-12
Dongcheng
At Huangqi Mountain South's Fragrance Corridor, the Dongcheng Lantern Festival Carnival will take place on February 12, featuring a glowing lantern tunnel, shadow projections, a wish-making ceremony, and interactive games like archery and riddle guessing. Live traditional music performances will bring an extra touch of elegance to the festivities.
Location: Huangqi Mountain South's Fragrance Corridor
Date: February 12
At Guangdong 33 Cultural Creative Park, traditional music meets modern beats with live performances by guqin, flute, and pipa artists, fused with electronic music for a contemporary twist on classical sounds.
Location: Guangdong 33 Cultural Creative Park
Date: February 12
Binhaiwan Bay Area
The 2025 Binhaiwan Lantern Festival at Golden Coast grassland will feature traditional folk performances, interactive games, and snake-themed decorations to celebrate the Year of the Snake.
Location: Golden Coast, Binhaiwan Bay Area
Date: February 12
Shilong
Shilong Town will come alive with a massive lion dance parade, with 30 lion dance teams performing at multiple locations, including the New Town, Old Town, and Xihu areas. The routes cover major landmarks, with performances at key spots like Jinshawan Plaza, Binwan New World Center, and People's Square.
Location: Across Shilong Town
Date: 9:00-12:00, February 12
For families, Shilong Museum will host a 3D Fish Lantern DIY Workshop, while the Dongzheng Museum will offer an interactive Lion Dance Lantern DIY session for kids. Those interested in traditional crafts can visit the Shilong Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum for a lantern-making workshop led by skilled artisans.
Location: Shilong Museum
Date: 10:00-11:30, February 12
Location: Shilong Dongzheng Museum
Date: 9:30-11:30, February 12
Location: Shilong Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum
Date: 9:30-11:30, February 12
Humen
At Humen Park, the "Auspicious Snake Lantern Festival" on February 12 will feature a National Style Parade, lantern riddles, and a spectacular lantern showcase to capture the festive spirit.
Location: Humen Park
Date: February 12
Hengli
In Gekeng Village, the Lantern Festival celebration will include a grand lighting ceremony, lantern riddle games, cultural performances, and an exhibition of beautifully decorated homes.
The Lantern Festival Celebrations in Shanxia Village and Tao Heung Food Culture Center will be a lively event with lion dances, folk performances, and a joyful parade, bringing festive cheer to the community.
Location: Gekeng Village, Shanxia Village and Tao Heung Food Culture Center
Date: February 12
Tangxia
The 2025 Tangxia Lantern Festival at Xingfu Square will be a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The Tangxia Cultural Show will feature dragon and lion dances, martial arts, and traditional Hakka mountain songs. Food lovers can explore a special exhibition of Tangxia's signature dishes, including roast goose, handmade glutinous rice cakes, and sweet dumplings. Visitors can also test their wit at the Lantern Riddle Garden or join interactive activities to learn about Tangxia's culinary traditions.
Location: Xingfu Square, Tangxia Town
Date: 09:00-18:00, February 12
Zhongtang
Enjoy a Lantern Festival performance, a dragon boat lantern parade, lion dances, lantern riddles, a creative temple fair, intangible cultural heritage workshops, and a live music show by Matchbox City Art Time.
Location: Zhongtang Dragon Boat Plaza
Date: 19:00-21:30, February 12
Gaobu
At Gaobu Square, the 2025 Lantern Festival Carnival will take place on February 12, featuring a festive mix of lantern displays, and cultural showcases.
Location: Gaobu Square
Date: 18:00-21:00, February 12
With every towns and district bringing its own unique charm, Dongguan's Lantern Festival celebrations promise a rich cultural experience filled with joy, tradition, and community spirit.
