While many believe the Chinese New Year festivities conclude after the Lantern Festival (February 12), in Guangdong, the celebrations are far from over.
Traditional festivities
Guangdong is home to a rich mix of cultural influences, which have given rise to diverse and unique folk celebrations.
Foshan's Crossing Tongji Bridge custom
Crossing Tongji Bridge (行通济) is a tradition in Foshan that dates back around 400 years. Every year on the 16th day of the first lunar month, over a million locals and tourists gather, carrying windmills and lettuce—symbols of good fortune and prosperity—to walk across Tongji Bridge. This represents the spirit of bringing prosperity to all. Over time, this tradition has evolved, incorporating new elements such as charity initiatives and cultural parades.
Nianli in western Guangdong
Centered in western Guangdong cities like Maoming and Zhanjiang, Nianli lasts from the second day of the Chinese New Year to the second lunar month (in 2025, it will continue through February and March), with each village observing it on different days.
Nianli includes rituals such as opening and closing ceremonies, parades, opera performances, lantern displays, and community feasts.
(Photo: Guangdong Fabu)
Chaoshan's Pig Contest
In Shantou's Chenghai District, the Pig Contest is held annually on the 17th and 18th days of the first lunar month. The event sees local families showcasing their largest, healthiest pigs, which are adorned with golden flowers, red paper decorations, and lucky kumquats. The pigs symbolize wealth and good fortune. After the contest, the pork is shared among family and friends as a gesture of goodwill for the coming year.
Other lively Chaoshan folk traditions include the God Parade (拖神) in Chenghai's Yanzao Village, the Sugarcane Alley Procession (穿蔗巷) in Chaozhou's Xikou Village (潮州溪口村), and numerous temple fairs.
Sugarcane Alley Procession
New festival trends
Yuexiu Temple Fair
First launched in 2011, Yuexiu Temple Fair has gradually become a signature event of Guangzhou's cultural calendar. Today, it blends traditional elements—lion dances, Cantonese opera, and heritage crafts—with cutting-edge technology like VR experiences, AI-guided tours, and 3D digital exhibitions. This year, it will last from February 12 to 18.
2025 GBA Lantern Festival
The 2025 GBA Lantern Festival in Guangzhou's Nansha District is making waves as one of the biggest lantern festivals in China. Running from January 22 to March 30, 2025, the event features 218 lantern displays and over 10,000 illuminated decorations, spanning five themed zones.
The 18m-tall "Floral Goddess" (簪花女神) made by Zigong lantern artisans (Photo: Guo Hongda)
For those looking to experience authentic Lingnan culture while avoiding peak holiday crowds, now is the perfect time to explore the province's rich traditions and festivities!
Author | Chen Longyan
Photo | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Wei Shen, James, Shen He
