On Tuesday, the "Luohu Release" hosted a special Spring Festival-themed event to unveil a series of festive activities in Shenzhen's Luohu District. Centered around New Year folk traditions, five sub-themes including "Show the Beauty of Spring," "Show the Blessings of Prosperity," "Show the Vibrancy of the New Year," "Show the Charm of Intangible Cultural Heritage," and "Show the Revival of Chinese Chic" have been designed to offer residents and tourists a delightful cultural journey.

Beauty of spring

The Aiguo Road Flower Market, a long-standing tradition for Shenzhen residents since 1998, will run from January 22 to 28. This year’s theme, “The Snake Brings Fortune, Spring Fills Luohu,” celebrates the cultural symbol of the snake, blending tradition and modernity to create a stunning tapestry of festive spirit. 

The market features seven themed zones, with decorations inspired by Song Dynasty aesthetics. Strolling among 192 stalls offering elegant narcissus, peonies, orchids, and kumquats, visitors can snap photos with vibrant floral installations or bring home their favorite plants to brighten their New Year celebrations. 

Highlights include a snake-themed floral sculpture carrying New Year blessings, as well as an artistic installation that combines azaleas with Luohu’s unique charm.

Exciting events such as Yigeng dance, lion dance parades, fortune god appearances, window-paper cutting workshops, and other interactive activities will run throughout the week. Additionally, visitors can share their flower market photos or videos on social media for a chance to win prizes, including jewelry, home appliances, and photo coupons. 

Blessings of prosperity

Luohu is also launching a Spring Festival raffle campaign, where shoppers can win prizes, including a grand prize of a 300,000-yuan car. From January 15 to February 25, shoppers who spend over 500 yuan at participating retailers, restaurants, or hotels can enter the raffle. The draw will be livestreamed to ensure transparency. 

A variety of cultural events blending intangible cultural heritage and modern festivities will accompany the campaign. Highlights include the debut of Kung Fu Panda-themed displays, a “Joyful Persimmons” exhibition, and traditional lion dance performances. Creative markets, including the Golden Snake New Year Fair and Intangible Cultural Heritage Lantern Festival, will immerse visitors in a festive atmosphere. 

Vibrancy of the New Year

Luohu District has prepared over 20 activities, featuring folk traditions, musical performances, art exhibitions, sports competitions, and calligraphy giveaways. 

Folk culture enthusiasts can enjoy a series of intangible cultural heritage showcases. For instance, visitors will find the Luohu Intangible Cultural Heritage Market featuring traditional crafts and regional delicacies.

Music lovers can enjoy performances like the Cantonese Classics Gala and New Year Orchestra Concert at venues such as the Shenzhen Grand Theatre. Art enthusiasts can visit exhibitions such as “Spring Radiance: Contemporary Lacquer Painting Masters’ Invitational” and “Spring Blessings: Shenzhen Academy Artists’ New Year Exhibition.”

Additionally, Luohu’s calligraphy events will see master artists creating personalized Spring Festival couplets and “Fu” characters for residents across the district. 

Charm of intangible cultural heritage

From January 15 to 19, South Lake Street will host the “Stay in Shenzhen for Spring Festival” Intangible Cultural Heritage Market, featuring regional specialties, festive food, and traditional crafts. 

The market will showcase 11 regional specialty pavilions, highlighting cultural gems from areas like Guangxi, Tibet, and Anhui. Visitors can explore offerings such as Guangxi’s Liubao tea, Tibet’s Thangka art, and Anhui’s famous fermented fish dishes. 

A series of nightly performances will also feature Cantonese opera, Yi ethnic dances, and bamboo flute recitals, immersing attendees in the vibrancy of traditional culture. 

Revival of Chinese Chic

From January 15 to February 3, the 2025 Han and Tang Cultural Tourism Carnival will transform Dongmen Pedestrian Street into a time-travel destination. Supported by the governments of Shenzhen’s Luohu District and Xi’an’s Lianhu District, the event features Hanfu parades, traditional music performances, and interactive cultural experiences. 

A replica of the Tang Dynasty’s Yongning Gate will serve as the centerpiece, alongside a Han-Tang-themed stage. At night, rows of lanterns will light up the streets, creating a breathtaking ambiance reminiscent of Chang’an’s Great Tang Ever-Bright City.

Visitors can also savor Xi’an’s signature delicacies, including crystal cakes, roujiamo (Chinese burgers), and cold noodles, brought to life by well-known century-old brands. 

With its blend of tradition and innovation, Luohu District offers an unforgettable Spring Festival experience that celebrates Chinese culture while embracing modern festivities.