AS China marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Shenzhen is pulling out all the stops for the 2026 National Day holiday. From the long-awaited return of the Futian CBD light show to world-class snooker and a packed calendar of cultural fairs, here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening in the city and beyond.

Futian CBD light show

The Futian CBD light show resumes on Oct. 1 after being suspended for maintenance and system upgrades. The show features coordinated night light displays on the facades of 43 buildings, making it one of Shenzhen’s most iconic nighttime attractions and a shared urban memory for residents and visitors alike.

Time: 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. daily, Oct. 1–7

Civic Center Square viewing area: Free reservations required via the “Futian CBD Light Show Reservation Guide” (福田中心区夜景灯光预约导引服务) WeChat miniprogram. Reservations open at 10 a.m. three days before each show.

Lianhua Hill viewing area: Free, no reservations required

Metro: Line 2 or 4 to Civic Center Station (市民中心站), Exit C

World Snooker SZ Open

The 2026 World Snooker Shenzhen Open runs through Oct. 4 at the Bao’an Sports Center Gymnasium. Top players from China and around the world — including Zhao Xintong, Ding Junhui, Ronnie O’Sullivan, and Judd Trump — will gather in Bao’an for the elite competition. The tournament is a professional ranking event on the World Snooker Tour, with results counting toward players’ official world rankings.

Location: Bao’an Sports Center Gymnasium, Bao’an District

Metro: Line 1 to Bao’an Stadium Station (宝体站), Exit A

Fireworks in Hong Kong

The 2026 National Day Fireworks Display will illuminate Victoria Harbor at 8 p.m. on Oct. 1. The 23-minute spectacular will launch from three barges and feature more than 30,000 fireworks across eight acts, set to classical, patriotic, and contemporary music. Prime viewing areas include Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai.

Bijiashan dessert festival

This autumn dessert celebration is set at Bijiashan Sports Park, bringing together popular dessert brands, intangible cultural heritage performances, and handmade experiences.

The site gathers more than 50 popular brands offering over 800 dessert varieties, making it a one-stop spot to sample all kinds of sweets. Beyond the sweets, there is a rich cultural experience on site. An intangible cultural heritage interactive zone will also be set up, with more than a dozen handmade craft experiences to try.

Time: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Oct. 1-7

Location: South Gate, Bijiashan Sports Park, Futian District

Metro: Line 7 or 14 to Huangmugang Station (黄木岗站), Exit 13

Fizzy Dizzy wine festival

The Fizzy Dizzy wine festival brings together more than 300 wines, available for tasting with no minimum purchase, with five highly popular cocktail bars and multiple champion bartenders lending their support. The event covers the full range of champagne, dry white, noble rot, natural wine, and orange wine.

Time: 4-10 p.m., Sept. 29-Oct. 3

Location: L3, UpperHills, Futian District

Metro: Line 10 to Donggualing Station (冬瓜岭站), Exit A

Black Pearl food market

A tidal food market gathering 19 Black Pearl restaurants from nine cities across the country lands at the MixC Street, The MixC Shenzhen, with 13 cuisine styles appearing on the same stage — billed as the strongest lineup in history.

The Black Pearl Restaurant Guide is China’s answer to the Michelin Guide, launched in 2018 by Meituan. It rates fine-dining restaurants with one to three diamonds based on culinary craftsmanship, dining experience, and heritage and innovation.

Dates: Oct. 1-7

Location: The MixC Street, The MixC Shenzhen, Luohu District

Metro: Line 1, 2 or 5 to Grand Theater Station (大剧院站), Exit F

Auto show

The Shenzhen International Auto Show will display more than 800 vehicles. Attendees can enjoy car purchase subsidies, interactive zones, IP-themed markets, live stages, and gaming tournaments. The show covers luxury, domestic, and joint-venture models, with a focus on new energy, intelligent connectivity, and future mobility.

Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Oct. 1–5

Location: Halls 1–5, Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, Futian District

Metro: Line 1 or 4 to Convention and Exhibition Center Station (会展中心站), Exit D

105 Fiesta in Macao

The 105 Fiesta is an annual cultural festival in Macao that celebrates the heritage of Rua 5 de Outubro (十月初五日街), a historic commercial street. The street is about 625 meters long and 8 meters wide, lined with shophouse buildings constructed before the 1940s.

The festival features a mix of performances, exhibitions, a street market, storytelling sessions, and special giveaways, aiming to revive the old district and promote local culture and tourism.

Dates: Oct. 1-8

Venue: Rua de Cinco de Outubro, and Hong Kung Temple Square(SD News)