The 2026 China Cultural and Tourism Gala (Spring Festival Special) kicked off on February 7 in Yangjiang, a coastal city in southern China's Guangdong Province.
From February 7 to 15, the main offline exhibition is being held at the Yangjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center. A central highlight is the cultural plaza, which features Guangdong's iconic lion dances, the powerful Yingge Dance, Yangjiang kite performances, and Hanfu costume displays.
Visitors can explore a dedicated lifestyle and consumption area highlighting Yangjiang's local products and everyday culture, alongside three curated market zones featuring traditional handicrafts, fresh seafood, and festive Chinese New Year goods.
Additionally, a specialty showcase will bring together representatives from cities and destinations across the country and the province. Each city is presented through a compact, immersive display that combines signature scenery, cultural elements, and regional cuisine, offering visitors a snapshot of China's diverse travel experiences.
Seafood is another highlight of the event, with a specially designed food street serving freshly prepared local favorites, including oyster-based dishes, charcoal-grilled fish, and seafood porridge. Adding to the atmosphere, daily live cooking competitions invite renowned chefs and visiting participants to showcase their skills and interact with audiences on-site.
In addition to offline events, online promotional activities will be held from February 7 to 8, showcasing Guangdong's Chinese New Year cultural and tourism routes, rural tourism resources, and featured agricultural products. Dedicated sessions will spotlight Yangjiang's cultural and tourism offerings, including Chinese New Year folk customs, coastal leisure tourism, and signature local cuisine.
With a coastline stretching 470.2 kilometers and a maritime area of 12,300 square kilometers, Yangjiang boasts a thriving marine economy and diverse coastal culture. It is also renowned as the "Capital of Green Energy," hosting China's largest and most complete wind power equipment manufacturing cluster.
Reporter | Chen Jinxia
Photo | Liang Zijian
