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Celebrate Chinese New Year in China's Shantou: modern festivities and cultural performances

Shantou is offering an exciting array of cultural and tourism activities for the 2025 Chinese New Year, showcasing the unique charm of Chaoshan culture. According to travel data from Mafengwo, a Chinese travel app, Shantou ranks among the top ten festive cities with the fastest increase in popularity in 2025.

This popular tourist destination in Guangdong Province has prepared a grand fireworks gala, Spring Festival cultural fairs, international lantern festivals, and over 100 Yingge dance performances for residents and visitors.

Photo: Wu Caiqian

1. Year of the Snake Fireworks Gala

A dazzling display of fireworks over the sea, lighting up both the north and south coasts of the city's central harbor.

📅Date: January 30, 2025, 8:00 PM

📍Location: Zhuchi Port Pier (珠池港码头)

Photo: Nanfang Plus

2. Shantou Small Park Spring Festival Cultural Fair

The fair will include intangible cultural heritage crafts, a gourmet street, carnival games, festive markets, folk parades, and performances.

📅Date: January 29 (Chinese New Year) to February 4

📍Location: Small Park (小公园), Shunchang Street (顺昌街), Anping Road (安平路), and Shangping Road (商平路)

3. Shantou Small Park International Lantern Festival

Featuring unique lantern designs, intricate craftsmanship, and innovative interactive experiences, the festival invites overseas Chinese, locals, and tourists to enjoy a romantic evening.

📅Date: February 12 (Lantern Festival) to February 27

📍Location: Small Park (小公园) and surrounding areas

Shantou Small Park (Photo: Wu Caiqian)

4. Ceremonies and cruises at Inner Bay (内海湾)

Enjoy the Setting Sail Drum Ceremony, saxophone performances, tea ceremonies, Chaozhou Opera on the cruise, etc.

📅Date: January 28 (Chinese New Year's Eve) to February 16

📍Location: Square Ferry (广场轮渡), including Guangque (广礐专线) and Qimian (启勉专线) routes

5. Dianshi Ancient Market's (店市古墟) Spring Market

A vibrant mix of flowers, festive goods, local delicacies, and entertainment.

📅Date: Spring Festival holiday

📍Location: Houxi Village (后溪村), Longdu Town (隆都镇)

6. Chaoshan cultural parties at ancient town

Activities include Go chess challenges, a music festival, family reading events, Chaozhou opera performances, New Year film screenings, intangible cultural heritage displays, and traditional festive customs.

📅Date: January 31 to February 1

📍Location: Haojiang Ancient City (濠江古城) and surrounding areas

7. Drone show

📅Date: January 26 to January 28 (Chinese New Year's Eve)

📍Location: Qianjiang Bay (前江湾), Nanao County (南澳县)

8. Outdoor music festival

Outdoor music concerts featuring pop, folk, electronic, and classical music, along with intangible cultural heritage performances.

📅Date: January 18 to February 12, 6 PM to 12 PM (to be confirmed)

📍Location: East Coast Park (东海岸公园)

9. Xianmencheng Village Gala

Performances include modern dance, opera, musical instruments, comedy, etc.

📅Date: January 31, 8 PM

📍Location: South Gate Square Theater, Xianmencheng Community, Chaonan District (潮南仙城仙门城南门广场戏台)

10. Xinhai Lantern Festival performance

A variety show featuring singing, acrobatics, and comedy to celebrate the Lantern Festival.

📅Date: February 10 or 11

📍Location: Shihe Village, Xinhai Subdistrict, Longhu District (龙湖区新海街道十一合村)

11. Longhu District Spring Festival Music Concert

A grand musical feast featuring orchestral and vocal performances.

📅Date: January 24, 8 PM

📍Location: Hanyuan Theater (翰苑剧场), Longhu District


More events: 

Celebrate Chinese New Year in China's Shantou to explore rich Chaoshan culture

Celebrate Chinese New Year in China's Shantou: art, science, and sports


Author | Chen Longyan

Photo | Wu Caiqian, Nanfang Plus

Editor | Wei Shen, James, Shen He

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