The Lantern Festival, marking the end of the Spring Festival celebrations, is just around the corner on February 12. In Guangdong, the celebrations rival those of Chinese New Year’s Eve and will offer an array of festivities that promise to make this year’s festival unforgettable.
Chancheng, Foshan: Crossing Tongji Bridge
In Foshan, there’s a saying: “Crossing Tongji Bridge, trouble goes away.” Locals believe crossing Tongji Bridge on the 15th and 16th days of the lunar new year ensures a prosperous year ahead. This tradition dates back to the late Ming and early Qing dynasties when the bridge was an essential trade route. Today, people cross the bridge while carrying symbolic items such as pinwheels for “turning fortunes,” lettuce for “wealth,” and wind chimes for “good news.”
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
(Photo: Guangdong Fabu)
Time: February 11-13
Location: Tongji Bridge, Jinyu Street, Chancheng District, Foshan (佛山市禅城区金鱼街通济桥)
Chancheng, a cradle of Lingnan culture, offers more than just this iconic tradition. Visitors can enjoy lion dances, martial arts, and Cantonese opera performances at the Ancestral Temple, experience Shiwan pottery at Nanfeng Kiln, or wander through Liang’s Garden, one of Guangdong’s four famous classical gardens. The Lingnan Tiandi, with its blend of historic architecture and modern shops, is another must-visit. And no trip to Foshan is complete without savoring local delicacies like braised pig trotters, wonton noodles, and Cantonese desserts.
Ancestral Temple (Photo: Nanfang Daily)
Liang’s Garden (Photo: Nanfang Daily)
Address of the recommended scenic spots:
Ancestral Temple (祖庙): No.21 Zumiao Road, Chancheng District, Foshan (佛山市禅城区祖庙路21号)
Nanfeng Kiln (南风古灶): No. 5 to 6 Gaomiao Road, Chancheng District, Foshan (佛山市禅城区高庙路5-6号)
Liang’s Garden(梁园): No. 93, Xianfeng Ancient Road, Songfeng Road, Chancheng District, Foshan (佛山市禅城区松风路先锋古道93号)
Lingnan Tiandi (岭南天地): No. 2, Zumiao Street, Chancheng District, Foshan (佛山市禅城区祖庙大街2号)
Fengshun, Meizhou: Burning Fire Dragon
In Fengshun County’s Puzhai Town, the “Burning Fire Dragon” tradition is a highlight of the Lantern Festival. Dating back to 1741, this fiery spectacle involves a loong (Chinese dragon) adorned with fireworks and firecrackers, carried by dozens of performers through the streets. The event is a prayer for good weather, bountiful harvests, and peace.
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
(Photo: Meizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Time: February 12
Location: Huolong Square, Puzhai Town, Fengshun County, Meizhou (梅州市丰顺县埔寨镇火龙广场)
Beyond the festival, Fengshun offers hot springs at Luhu Hot Spring Resort, as well as natural scenery at the breathtaking Longguizhai Waterfall and the Hanshan Historical and Cultural Scenic Spot. Local cuisine, including beef balls, rice noodle soup, and Liuhuang rice cakes, is not to be missed.
Longguizhai Waterfall (Photo: Meizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Hanshan Historical and Cultural Scenic Spot (Photo: Meizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Address of the recommended scenic spots:
Luhu Hot Spring Resort (鹿湖温泉度假村): Liuhuang Town, Fengshun County, Meizhou (梅州市丰顺县留隍镇)
Hanshan Historical and Cultural Scenic Spot (韩山历史文化旅游区): Fengtian Village, Fengliang Town, Fengshun County, Meizhou (梅州市丰顺县丰良镇丰田村)
Jinping, Shantou: International Lantern Fair
The Shantou Small Park International Lantern Fair is set to take place from February 12 to 27. Featuring intricate lantern designs and interactive experiences, the fair is a celebration of Shantou’s rich cultural heritage and its ties to overseas Chinese communities.
(Photo: Ke Xiao)
Time: February 12-27
Location: Small Park, Junction of Guoping Road, Shengping Road and Anping Road, Jinping District, Shantou (汕头市金平区国平路、升平路、安平路交汇处)
Located at the heart of Shantou’s old town, the Small Park historical area boasts row upon row of exquisite qilou (arcade buildings). In the past, a great number of overseas Chinese returned to invest in business and real estate here, leaving many historical sites. These buildings blend Chinese and Western styles, interspersed with department stores, restaurants, traditional handicraft stores, and time-honored brands.
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
In addition to Small Park, there are many other attractions worth exploring in Jinping District, such as Zhongshan Park, which blends ancient Chinese and Western garden styles, and Xiti Park, where the old seaport ruins meet overseas Chinese culture. For food lovers, don’t forget to visit Zhenbang Food Street and Longyan South Food Street to try local time-honored dishes and street food favorites.
Zhenbang Food Street (Photo: Shantou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Address of the recommended scenic spots:
Zhongshan Park (中山公园): No.5 Yuemei Road, Jinping District, Shantou (汕头市金平区月眉路5号)
Xiti Park (西堤公园): No.5 Anping Road, Jinping District, Shantou (汕头市金平区安平路259号)
Zhenbang Food Street (镇邦美食街): No.36 Zhenbang Road, Jinping District, Shantou (汕头市金平区镇邦路36号)
Longyan South Food Street (龙眼南美食街): No.36 Longyan South Road, Jinping District, Shantou (汕头市金平区龙眼南路)
Suixi, Zhanjiang: Fish lantern parade
In Suixi County’s Beipo Town, the fish lantern parade tradition will illuminate the Lantern Festival night. This centuries-old event features colorful fish lanterns carried through the streets, symbolizing prayers for a prosperous and peaceful year ahead.
(Photo: Zhanjiang Fabu)
Time: February 11-12
Location: Beipo Old Market, Beipo Village, Beipo Town, Suixi County, Zhanjiang (湛江市遂溪县北坡老圩)
Suixi, a coastal county in western Guangdong, boasts a pleasant climate and longevity culture. Recommended attractions include the Confucius Cultural City, which offers a journey through ancient Chinese philosophy, and Luogang Town, a scenic area that combines tourism, agriculture, and intangible cultural heritage. Visitors can also enjoy leisurely walks at Yuelong Lake or explore the tidal flats at the Jiaotousha Scenic Area. Seafood lovers can delight in local specialties like oysters, crabs, and prawns, as well as regional dishes such as Qilin chicken and Chengyue roast goose.
Confucius Cultural City (Photo: Huang Xinying)
Luogang Town (Photo: Suixi Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Jiaotousha Scenic Area (Photo: Suixi Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
(Photo: Zhanjiang Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Address of the recommended scenic spots:
Confucius Cultural City (遂溪孔子文化城): No. 1 Xuezeng Road, Suixi County, Zhanjiang (湛江市遂溪县学增路1号)
Luogang Town (螺岗小镇): Lingbei Town, Suixi County, Zhanjiang (湛江市遂溪县岭北镇茶亭村)
Jiaotousha Scenic Area (角头沙风景名胜区): Caotan Town, Suixi County, Zhanjiang (湛江市遂溪县草潭镇)
Author: Huang Xinying
Poster: Lai Meiya