What's on in Guangzhou

The historical context of Guangzhou means that many of the events and festivals fulfil some social need or duty – they are not solely for the purpose of entertainment. For the most part, they focus on ancient customs and ultimately deliver some sort of value-based teaching to the younger generation.

Festivals are often characterized by enormous preparation, and thus tend to bring religious, geographical and social stratospheres together under the umbrella of a common cause. In Guangzhou, events are full of colour and life; they are an important part of the city’s cultural heartbeat.

Spring Festival (1st day of the 1st Lunar Month)
More commonly known as the Chinese New Year in the west, the Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival in China and celebrated in parks and city streets across the country. Traditionally, the event is enjoyed by eating a New Year feast, setting off firecrackers, hanging red lanterns, and visiting relatives and friends.

Guangdong Dragon Boat Festival (5th day of 5th Lunar Month)
Since 1995 the Guangdong Dragon Boat Festival has become an international event that draws dragon boats from all over China, the US, Canada, Australia, and Singapore. In ancient times the dragon boat was said to be over 30 meters long and over 2 meters high. Some boats even had 15-meter long mast for about 80 performers to play 50 kinds of acrobatic items on. Nowadays, the dragon boat is small in size and more sporty, but no less entertaining to watch.

Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring and Autumn annually)
Also known as the Canton Fair, this is China’s most prestigious trade fair. The event is of strict international importance and regularly attracts the largest attendance of fair-goers, including foreign trade corporations, scientific research institutions, private enterprise, factories, and foreign-owned business.