AS the festive spirit fills the air, Shenzhen is rolling out the red carpet for residents and visitors. The city’s “Celebrate Chinese New Year in Shenzhen” culture and tourism campaign offers a vibrant program of events that showcase the unique charm of a Shenzhen Spring Festival and a warm winter season.

Verbier Festival comes to Shenzhen

For the first time outside Europe, the world-renowned Verbier Festival arrives in Shenzhen. The festival will present 23 concerts, seven masterclasses, and a range of artistic exchanges and interactive activities, delivering unforgettable, world-class musical experiences.

Dates: Jan. 30–Feb. 8

Shenzhen Light Art Season

Running through March 3, the Shenzhen Light Art Season transforms the city after dark with installations that blend light technology and kinetic aesthetics. With three main venues — Futian Central District, Houhai (Nanshan), and OCT Harbor (Bao’an) — the festival extends to 33 public spaces, commercial districts, and scenic spots across the city, injecting nights with energy and creativity.

Dates: Through March 3

Spring Festival flower market

A visit to the flower market is an essential Spring Festival ritual in Shenzhen. The 2026 Lunar New Year Flower Market runs from Feb. 10 through Chinese New Year’s Eve, offering a festive atmosphere and opportunities to celebrate good fortune.

Dates: Feb. 10–16 (Chinese New Year’s Eve)

Free half-day tours, AI city travel cards for intl. visitors

Shenzhen has launched the “Shenzhen Express” initiative for international arrivals at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. For one year, eligible visitors can join complimentary half-day tours that visit three iconic sites — Lianhua Hill Park, Nantou Ancient Town, and Talent Park — showcasing the city’s reform-era roots, historic neighborhoods, and innovative urban spaces.

International passengers can register for the tours at the cultural tourism service counter at the International Arrivals Hall on the first floor of Terminal 3 of Shenzhen airport. Multilingual support is provided throughout the experience to make “Shenzhen First Stop” an excellent introduction to the city.

In addition, Shenzhen will distribute 20,000 free AI City Travel Cards at key entry points, including Shenzhen Bao’an airport, Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint, and Gangxia North Metro Station. These multifunctional cards combine public-transport access, cultural-tourism services, and consumer vouchers to create a visitor-friendly travel experience.

A packed calendar of events

Beyond these highlights, Shenzhen presents 174 integrated cultural, commercial, sports, and exhibition events organized into six themes: festive traditions, winter sports, rhythmic beats, artistic flair, trendy fun, and maritime adventures.

Visitors can enjoy Lingnan intangible cultural heritage, world-class tennis and badminton tournaments, top-tier concerts, major art events such as the 10th Shenzhen–Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture, and cruise experiences. With offerings across various district in the city, Shenzhen’s lineup caters to diverse interests and promises a memorable, vibrant season.(Tang Li)