Spring Festival, the most important and happiest festival in China, is only a week away, and it’s again the best time of year to explore traditional Chinese celebrations and cultures. Different areas in China have different events, customs and holiday foods. This week, we will continue telling you about the best places to spend the Chinese New Year.

    Nanjing,

    Jiangsu Province

    One of the most attractive cities in China, Nanjing is situated along the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. It sports a long history and served as the capital of six dynasties.

    In addition to historical sights, memorials and museums, the city’s cultural sights attract tourists from home and abroad.

    The famous Confucius Temple is not only a memorial place for the Great Sage but has a surrounding area bustling with shops, restaurants and a snack street housed in traditional architectural buildings. The area is in full festive mode during every Spring Festival, offering various activities and delicacies.

    The festival lantern show in the temple area is the event most worth mentioning. The area has been home to lantern shows for more than 1,000 years.

    Qinhuai River is another must-go place during the festival. The river was the most flourishing part of the city in the old days. In many Chinese novels, it is renowned as a place that nurtured beauties and romance. Today, it is a place for people to recall the old splendor of this city.

    The lantern shows along the river have a different style and sensation from the shows at Confucius Temple because they have been adapted for the river and waterside buildings. They are best viewed from a boat.

    Other recommended spots for the festival customs include Ganxi Old Residence, Old Dongmen Cultural Street and Gaochun Ancient Street.

    Transport: Fly to Nanjing from Shenzhen airport. (Wang Yunayuan)

    Xi’an,

    Shaanxi Province

    Xi’an, capital of Shaanxi Province, was one of the most important cradles of Chinese civilization. It marked the start of the famous Silk Road that linked China with central Asia and the Roman Empire. It served as the first capital of a unified China and capital of 13 dynasties periodically from the 11th century B.C. to the early 10th century.

    Due to its rich history and beautiful natural scenery, the city has always been one of the most favorite travel destinations for tourists.

    In downtown Xi’an, there are well-known historic relics such as City Wall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter and Famen Temple. Travel to the suburban areas to find the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Pool.

    Every Spring Festival, all these venues put out their traditional northwestern-style festival decorations and hold festival activities for tourists from around the world.

    The city also holds a large temple fair, which features traditional cultural activities such as Qin-style opera, steel bracket Shehuo, shadow plays, Yangge dances and Henan opera. Local foods are specially made for the festival.

    This year’s Spring Festival in Xi’an will be even more exciting because it will be one of the venues for the China Central Television (CCTV) Spring Festival Gala for the Year of the Monkey, which will be aired Feb.7.

    The gala in Xi’an will be presented at Yongning Gate in downtown Xi’an, which is the oldest gate in the ancient city wall.

    The gate, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is a landmark of the city. It has been the location for many important events for hundreds of years.

    Transport: Fly to Xi’an from Shenzhen airport.