Twelve Themed Events Highlight “Celebrating the New Year in Zhenyuan”

During the 2026 Spring Festival holiday, Zhenyuan County in Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province will launch its “Celebrating the New Year in Zhenyuan” cultural series, featuring 12 themed events that weave together the festive season. The program integrates traditional folk customs with modern experiences, presenting a vibrant New Year celebration filled with local flavor and cultural richness.

Zhenyuan Scenery
Photo by Wu Xianhe

As the centerpiece of the program, an intangible cultural heritage dragon dance performance will be staged on the pedestrian street in the ancient town. By day, visitors can experience the Zhenyuan Straw Dragon folk custom; by night, a 100-meter-long dragon will parade through the streets to celebrate the New Year. From day to night, the charm of intangible cultural heritage comes alive. Zhenyuan’s dragon lantern-making craftsmanship is a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage: local artisans use locally sourced bamboo as the frame and silk as the covering, completing more than ten handcrafting steps to create an auspicious dragon and weave blessings into every detail.
Archival photos of previous events

Courtesy of the Publicity Department of the CPC Zhenyuan County Committee

Beyond the signature performance, Zhenyuan will roll out a range of supporting activities to enrich visitors’ New Year experience. Dragon-themed photo spots will be set up in the ancient town, and a stamp-collecting activity will be jointly held by six venues. Visitors can redeem perks at participating attractions with collected points or stamps. Sports events, including xiangqi, weiqi, basketball, and football, will also take place, catering to diverse interests among tourists and local residents.
Archival photos of previous events
 

Courtesy of the Publicity Department of the CPC Zhenyuan County Committee

During the Lantern Festival, a dragon lantern fair and a dragon and lion dance competition will follow in succession, adding more excitement to the traditional holiday. The Spring Festival series will culminate in a spectacular Yuanxiao fireworks display, bringing the celebrations to a splendid close.
This year’s program continues the integrated approach of “culture and tourism + intangible cultural heritage,” preserving traditional customs while strengthening immersive and interactive experiences. Visitors from near and far are invited to step into the ancient town of Zhenyuan and enjoy the most authentic Guizhou New Year atmosphere.

Archival photos of previous events

Courtesy of the Publicity Department of the CPC Zhenyuan County Committee