Regional Traditions Across China

China is a vast country with a deep and diverse cultural landscape, each region celebrates this important festival in its own unique way.

For brands aiming to resonate with local markets, understanding these regional customs is crucial. Tailoring marketing strategies to align with specific cultural practices can greatly enhance engagement and relevance. Today, we explore some of the most iconic and culturally rich Chinese New Year celebrations from across the country.

• 🌸 Cantonese Flower Markets – Southern China’s Blooming Tradition

  In Guangdong Province, especially in Guangzhou, the Spring Festival Flower Fair is an essential part of the New Year celebration. This vibrant market tradition dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now recognized as a provincial-level Intangible Cultural Heritage.

  Known locally as the “Chinese New Year Flower Market,” this event is deeply rooted in Lingnan culture. Residents say, “Strolling through the flower streets is as important as celebrating the New Year.” The markets open on the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month and last until dawn of New Year’s Day.

  These markets are filled with auspicious plants and flowers, such as orchids, peonies, and kumquat trees, symbolizing prosperity, happiness, and good fortune.

  A particularly beloved tradition in this region is the exchange of oranges. In Cantonese culture, the word for orange (橘 or 桔) sounds similar to the word for luck (吉), making it a symbol of prosperity. Gifting oranges is a heartfelt way of wishing wealth and success in the coming year.

• ❄️ Harbin Ice & Snow Festival – A Frozen Wonderland in the Northeast

  Each winter, the city of Harbin in northeastern China transforms into a glowing ice kingdom during the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. This spectacular event is one of the largest of its kind in the world, drawing millions of visitors annually.

  Coinciding with the Chinese New Year, the festival features majestic ice palaces, luminous sculptures of mythical creatures, and interactive installations like ice slides and mazes. The use of colorful lighting on translucent ice turns the entire city into a fantasy landscape, celebrating the artistry and creativity of Chinese winter traditions.

  It’s more than just a visual spectacle—it’s a joyful gathering point for families and tourists alike, combining cultural pride with modern entertainment.

• 🏮 Qinhuai Lantern Fair – A River of Lights in Nanjing

  The Qinhuai Lantern Fair, also known as the Jinling Lantern Festival, is a cherished tradition in Nanjing. Held along the historic Qinhuai River, this celebration dates back to the Six Dynasties and is officially recognized as a national Intangible Cultural Heritage.

  During the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of Chinese New Year festivities, the riverbanks are illuminated with intricate lanterns depicting folklore, zodiac animals, and historical scenes. Folk performances, local food stalls, and interactive cultural displays enhance the festive atmosphere, making it one of the most iconic Lantern Festival celebrations in the country.

• 🔥 Iron Flower Displays – A Thousand-Year Spark in Central and Northern China

  In regions like Henan, Shanxi, and Hebei, the ancient art of Iron Flower (打铁花) lights up the night skies during Chinese New Year. This dramatic folk performance involves heating iron to over 1600°C and flinging it into the air, where it explodes into a dazzling shower of sparks.

  Dating back over a thousand years to the Northern Song Dynasty, this craft was discovered by blacksmiths and has evolved into a symbolic performance representing strength, resilience, and the fiery spirit of the New Year. Today, the tradition is recognized as a national Intangible Cultural Heritage, with Kaifeng’s Iron Flower performance hailed as one of the top ten folk arts of the Yellow River Basin.

  Artisans wear full protective gear to safely perform the display, creating breathtaking visuals while honoring a deeply rooted cultural legacy.