SHENZHEN and nearby Hong Kong are lighting up the Lunar New Year with a string of spectacular celebrations — flower markets, lantern displays, immersive light shows, drone performances and a fireworks extravaganza. Below is a clear, visitor-friendly guide to the major events happening across the region this Spring Festival. Flower markets A visit to a flower market is an essential Spring Festival ritual in Shenzhen. The 2026 Lunar New Year flower markets run through Chinese New Year’s Eve, offering a festive atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to shop and celebrate. Luohu District Venue: Aiguo Road Metro: Line 3 to Cuizhu Station (翠竹站); Line 5 to Yijing Station (怡景站) Futian District Venue: Festival Avenue Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Gangxia Road Station (岗厦站), Exit B; Line 2 or 4 to Convention and Exhibition Center Station (会展中心站), Exit C Nanshan District Venue: Dutch Flower Town, Zhongshan Park, and Nantou Ancient Town Metro: To Dutch Flower Town, Line 1 to Daxin Station (大新站), Exit B; then take a taxi; to Zhongshan Park or Nantou Ancient Town, Line 12 to Zhongshan Park Station (中山公园站) or Nantou Ancient City Station (南头古城站) Bao’an District Venue: Bao’an Coastal Plaza, Binhai Green Axis South Park Metro: Line 5 to Baohua Station (宝华站), Exit B1 Longhua District Venue: Guanhu Central Park Metro: Line 4 to Qinghu Station (清湖站), Exit A2; transfer to tram to Guanlan Gaoxin Park stop, then a 500m walk Pingshan District Venue: Pingshan Sports Center Metro: Line 14 to Jinlong Station (锦龙站), Exit B; then take a taxi Lantern shows Splendid China · Folk Culture Villages On a 530,000-sqm site, more than 40 giant intangible-cultural-heritage lantern installations create an immersive sea of lights. Two IP-themed streets provide photo ops, while four large-scale stage productions and new attractions round out the program. Duration: Through March 31 Venue: Splendid China · Folk Culture Villages, Nanshan District Metro: Line 1 to OCT Station (华侨城站), Exit D Gankeng Ancient Town Gankeng Ancient Town is transformed into a “floral secret realm,” blending Hakka cultural elements with nature-inspired New Year décor. The program features festive displays and hands-on folk experiences — a calmer, culturally focused outing. Duration: Through March 8 Venue: Gankeng Ancient Town, Longgang District Metro: Line 10 to Gankeng Station (甘坑站), Exit B; then a 10-minute walk OCT Harbor A major IP collaboration brings popular game “Honor of Kings” to life with spectacular lanterns, including a 14-meter Nyuwa lantern, a Wang Zhaojun feature lantern, an 11-meter giant Kun lantern, and VR interaction zones. Step into the show and familiar heroes surround you, all on hand to join the festivities. Duration: Through March 3 Venue: OCT Harbor, Nanshan District Metro: Line 9 to Shenzhen Bay Park Station (深圳湾公园站), Exit E Drone show Hundreds of drones will paint the night sky with dazzling formations — world landmarks, zodiac animals and other vibrant patterns — blending technology with festive tradition for a memorable aerial display. Time: 9 p.m. daily during the Spring Festival holiday period Venue: Window of the World, Nanshan District Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Window of the World Station (世界之窗站), Exit H2 Hong Kong — Lunar New Year parade The annual float parade returns to Hong Kong on the first day of the Lunar New Year on Feb. 17. The parade sets off at 8 p.m. from the Cultural Center Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui and winds along a lively route down Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road. A diverse lineup of performance troupes and vividly themed floats from around the world will move slowly through cheering crowds, creating an evening of color, sound and celebration. Hong Kong — Victoria Harbour New Year fireworks A grand fireworks show is divided into eight scenes, lasting 23 minutes and using 31,888 shells. The program weaves auspicious imagery — such as galloping horses and gold ingots — into a glittering skyline display that symbolizes prosperity and success for the year ahead. This iconic New Year fireworks display combines scale, choreography and symbolic visuals — a highlight for visitors and locals alike. Time: 8 p.m., Feb. 18 Venue: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Best viewing spots: Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, Central and Western District seaside promenade, Wan Chai Golden Bauhinia Square Local New Year markets and wholesale hubs Sungang Stationery, Toy & Gift City A one-stop shop for New Year decorations. Metro: Line 7 Sungang Station (笋岗站) or Line 9 Hongling North Station (红岭北站) Zijingcheng Food Trading Center A major food wholesale market offering a wide selection of local and international snacks, groceries, beverages and more. Metro: Line 2 or 7 to Huaqiang North Station (华强北站), Exit B Haijixing Agricultural Wholesale Market Shenzhen’s largest agricultural wholesale market, recommended for bulk purchases of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and frozen goods. Transit: By car recommended; if taking public transport, get off at Danzhutou Station (丹竹头站) (Line 3) and take bus M491/836 to Haijixing terminal Futian Agricultural Wholesale Market A large comprehensive wholesale market in downtown Shenzhen with both wholesale and retail options. Metro: Line 9 to Meijing Station (梅景站), Exit C Bao’an Agricultural Wholesale Market A large, comprehensive wholesale market in western Shenzhen, known for variety and competitive prices — ideal for one-stop New Year shopping. Metro: Line 12 to Baotian 1st Road Station (宝田一路站), Exit C (about 700m walk) Shekou Market A popular destination for fresh seafood and a lively local dining scene. Freshness and variety are highlights; bargaining is common. Metro: Line 2 or 13 to Dongjiaotou Station (东角头站), Exit A or D (Tang Li) | 