Guangzhou is preparing to host a series of vibrant cultural events to mark the 2026 Spring Festival, with two signature celebrations planned in the Liwan District: the Guangzhou Waterborne Flower Market and the Guangzhou Cultural Park Spring Flower Show. These events, steeped in tradition, are expected to draw large crowds and offer a unique blend of floral displays, cultural performances, and festive activities.
The Guangzhou Waterborne Flower Market, running from to , with related markets open from to , has expanded significantly this year. What began focused on Liwan Lake now encompasses the entire Lychee Bay Scenic Area, the Cantonese Opera Art Museum, and Yongqingfang. Visitors will have the opportunity to cruise along the waterways in flower-decorated boats, surrounded by floral arrangements and art installations.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the Waterborne Flower Market will offer a diverse range of goods and experiences. Stalls will feature flowers sourced directly from the Lingnan Flower Market, alongside intangible cultural heritage crafts, creative souvenirs, and local snacks. Daily performances are scheduled, including Cantonese opera, Cantonese embroidery demonstrations, street dance, and magic shows. Performers dressed in Hanfu – traditional Chinese clothing – will interact with visitors, adding to the immersive cultural experience. A stamp-collecting route connecting key landmarks in Liwan is designed to encourage exploration and engagement.
The city is also preparing for a significant increase in the number of stalls available for vendors this year. Guangzhou will host 11 major flower markets with a total of 2,655 stalls, a 7.7% increase compared to last year, providing more space for those selling festive flowers and holiday goods. The markets will operate for between three and six days, beginning on and continuing until the early hours of . The traditional flower markets in the Nansha and Zengcheng districts will operate for the full six days.
Following the Waterborne Flower Market, the Guangzhou Cultural Park will host its Spring Flower Show from to . The show will feature 22 landscaped installations combining flowers and lanterns, alongside over 22,000 potted plants, including peach blossoms and kumquats. A Lantern Festival light display is planned for the evenings of to .
The Spring Flower Show will also include a robust program of cultural events, with nearly 40 activities planned. These will range from calligraphy exhibitions and Cantonese storytelling to lantern riddles and live performances. The events aim to showcase the region’s rich artistic heritage and provide entertainment for visitors of all ages.
The preparations for these events reflect the importance of the Spring Festival – Chinese New Year – as a key cultural tradition. Flower markets have long been a central part of the celebrations, symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and good fortune. The expansion of the Waterborne Flower Market and the addition of new features, such as the interactive stamp-collecting route, demonstrate a commitment to revitalizing these traditions and attracting a wider audience.
The Yuexiu District flower market, known as the “century-old flower market,” will operate from (8:30 AM) to (2:00 PM the following day), offering a glimpse into the city’s cultural heritage. The Haizhu District will host the Binjiang Flower Market along the Pearl River, from (8:30 AM) to (2:00 PM the following day), providing scenic views alongside the floral displays.
These events are expected to contribute significantly to the local economy, boosting tourism and providing opportunities for local businesses. The combination of traditional celebrations and modern attractions is designed to appeal to both domestic and international visitors, solidifying Guangzhou’s position as a vibrant cultural hub during the Spring Festival season.
