Several days ago, one of our followers asked, “Where can I watch Chinese New Year celebrations in Hangzhou?” This question might be on the minds of many expats staying or visiting Hangzhou during the upcoming Spring Festival. Hangzhoufeel has gathered some information about some cultural activities and beautiful New Year spots across the city. Join these events to experience the festivities just like the locals do!

Gongshu district

Date: Feb 23 to 24

Gongshu district has rolled out a series of activities that will continue through to the Lantern Festival. Nanfeng Park （南风小公园）at the entrance of Hemu Residential Community （和睦社区） will launch a lantern exhibition with light strips and decorations, creating a lively ambiance for the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival. Meanwhile, markets, lantern riddle guessing and rice ball gifting activities will be combined with a lantern exhibition to spread the joy and happiness of the new year.

Shangcheng district

Date: until Feb 25

The Qianwang Temple (钱王祠) in Shangcheng district is set to host the "Song Dynasty Aesthetic Cultural Intangible Heritage Gathering", offering a feast for both the eyes and palate with traditional crafts and heritage cuisine. 

Also, there will be a "Seal Collection" event with more than 100 locations, where visitors can collect special seals to embrace the auspiciousness of the New Year. Besides, the "Hangzhou Dragon City Walk" invites people to explore dragon elements within local cuisine and customs, and share photos to win a chance to draw a beautiful gift box. Learn more about the event here.

Jiande city

Date: until Feb 29

During the Spring Festival, the Academy of Longshan located in Jiande city will create a Song Dynasty-themed lantern festival in Jiande. Yanzhou Ancient City will be adorned with lanterns, taking you back to the Southern Song Dynasty with thousands of bright lights guiding your way. You can dress in Song Dynasty costumes, stroll along the ancient city walls, explore the culturally creative products inspired by the Dynasty, savor traditional Chinese cuisine, immerse yourself in an immersive Song Dynasty-themed market, and experience a unique "trendy" life while traveling back to the old times.

Pinyao Old Street

Performances date: Feb 11 to 16

Celebrate the New Year in Pinyao Old Street (瓶窑老街) with the "Greater than the Year of the Dragon" lantern exhibition, a must-visit for everyone who stays in Hangzhou for the holiday. The exhibition includes unique lantern designs like a dragon gate, hanging fish lanterns, and a 5-meter giant dragon and qilin lanterns at the old cinema entrance. There, you also can enjoy vibrant folk performances from February 11 to 16.

Xixi Wetland Park

Festival date: Feb 10 – Mar 17

Another place worth visiting is Xixi Wetland Park. Adorned with over a thousand captivating lanterns, including large dragon lanterns, is a perfect spot to feel the beauty of the Spring Festival atmosphere to the fullest. Don't miss the spectacular 40-meter-long "Bai Zhang Dragon Lantern" (“百丈龙灯”) at Jiangcun Market Slow Living District (蒋村集市慢生活街区) and the Aoshan lantern canopy in Hezhu Street (河渚街) of the park. Experience the beauty of blooming plum blossoms and traditional customs at the Xixi Spring Plum Blossom Festival and Lantern Festival from February 10 to March 17.