1. Flower Fairs
Guangzhou is known as the "Flower City" in China for its blooming flowers all year round. Bustling flower fairs are held annually during the Spring Festivals. The flower fairs usually start three days ahead of the Spring Festival, and reach the climax on the Eve. There will be various folk performances, and local artists also demonstrate and sell their paintings and calligraphy works in the fair.
Kumquat trees, peach blossoms and peony are the most sought-after ones at the flower fairs. Kumquat, or "Jin Qian Ju" in Chinese, has a similar pronunciation to many auspicious words. "Jin" is similar to gold, "Qian" to money, and "Ju" to luck. Peach, in Chinese culture, is a symbol of longevity and is regarded as the strongest defense against the evil. Peony enjoys high prestige among the Chinese people, being "the flower of richness and honor". Among their many colors, the bright red ones are particularly auspicious, bringing good luck and prosperity.
The major flower fairs in Guangzhou are Xihu Flower Fair, Donghu Flower Fair, Liwan Flower Fair, and Tianhe Flower Fair.
2. Lion Dance Performances
Among the numerous jolly celebrations, Lion dance is always the biggest attraction to the local people. They are performed to bring good fortune and to ward off evil spirits. The person performing the lion head initiates the movements, and then the drummer and other performers will follow so that the movements are synchronized and smooth. The Lion movements, accompanied by firecrackers and loud music, are considered to scare away the evil spirits and to welcome the good fortune. On the first working day after the Spring Festival Holiday, many companies invite performing teams to perform the lion dance in front of the company, hoping that it will bring good fortune and prosperity to the company.
3. Take-away Family Dinner
Now you can dial 96909 to order a "family re-union dinner" for the lunar New Year's Eve without deposit or extra charge, according to the Guangdong Household Service Industry Association. Three combos for you to choose from: 608RMB for 5-6 people, 888RMB for 8-10 people, and 1,080RMB for 10-12 people. Delivery only to urban area.
4. New Year Celebration Fireworks
Date: Feb 14
Time: 20:30 to 21:00
Location: Pazhou , Bai E Tan
The 2010 New Year fireworks will be let off on the first day of the Spring Festival on Feb. 14th, also Valentine's Day. The show will last from 20:30 to 21:00.
The maritime department will set-up specific traffic arrangements on the Pearl River between Bai'etan and the Pazhou Complex during the fireworks.
You can also enjoy the fireworks on the Pearl River cruise ship. The fee is from 268RMB to 398RMB including dinner buffet.
Tickets booking: 388 0498, 8388 3475, 13903076960
5. Baomo Garden
Dragon and Lion Dance performance, cherry Blossoms, peony and peach blossoms exhibitions will be held in the Baomo Garden during spring festival (Feb 14th- Feb 20th).
Location: Baomo Garden, Panyu District.
6. Lingnan Impression Garden
Traditional performances will be held during the Spring Festival holidays. Delicious local snacks for the festival are available as well.
Add: Lingnan Impression Garden, Waihuanxi Road (the exit B of GZ Higher Education Mega Centre, line 2 of subway)
7. 2010 YACA Comic& Animation Expo
Date: Feb 20th – Feb 21st
Location: Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center
8."Avatar" on 3D-IMAX
Since "Avatar" started showing on Feb. 5th in a 3D-IMAX version at the Guangdong Science Center, the queue's of people wanting to buy tickets has been getting longer and longer, even forcing the center to limit the number of tickets each person can buy. In response to the audience's demand, the Guangdong Science Center has decided to continue screening "Avatar" during the Spring Festival holidays.
Special Spring Festival Schedule:
Chinese New Year's Eve (Feb. 13): 10:00 & 13:30
Feb. 14 – Feb. 21: 10:00, 13:30, 17:00 & 20:30
Feb. 22: Closed
Regular screenings resume on Feb. 23
9. 2010 Chinese Spring Celebration Concert
To welcome the arrival of the New (lunar) Year, a concert entitled "Happy Year of the Tiger" will be staged at the Guangzhou Xinhai Concert Hall on Feb 28. [More]
When: 20:00 February 28th, 2010
Venue: Symphony Hall, Xinghai Concert Hall
