

Diversified New Year celebrations in Dapeng
Writer: Chen Siqi | Editor: Zhang Zeling | From: Original | Updated: 2025-01-02
As a preferred travel destination for citizens, Dapeng New District offers diversified New Year celebrations for visitors and locals, including concerts, running, hiking, sailing competitions, and intangible cultural heritage week.
The cold wind didn’t dampen participants’ enthusiasm at the 2025 Dapeng Outdoor Sports Carnival. The coastal running competition started at 7 a.m. on New Year’s Day. At about 8:30 a.m., many competitors had already crossed the 10-kilometer finish line at Dapeng Yacht Club, filled with joy and passion.
Runners revel in the 2025 Dapeng Outdoor Sports Carnival. Photos courtesy of Nan'ao Subdistrict Office except otherwise stated
The competition featured a 10-kilometer route beginning at Dapeng Yacht Club, running along Xindong Road in Nan’ao, passing through Yangmeikeng, and returning to the yacht club. A total of 500 running enthusiasts participated in the event.
A runner reacts when crossing the finish line during the 2025 Dapeng Outdoor Sports Carnival.
Liu Fen won the women’s championship with a time of 47 minutes and 5 seconds, while Song Xiren claimed the men’s championship with a time of 37 minutes and 21 seconds. Liu expressed her enjoyment of the route, saying, “The running trails, extending along the blue sea, are comfortable. The water empowered me with the strength to pick up my pace.”
Lin Junchen, a 5-year-old participant, finished the run with pride, despite feeling exhausted. “I asked my parent to help me register for the event. Many older brothers and sisters cheered for me along the route. The medals look really good — they feature a cute snake wearing a Kylin-like hat,” said Lin.
Performances highlighting intangible cultural heritage were showcased at the finish line of the running event. Visitors and participants enjoyed the Kylin dance, fishing songs, and traditional wedding dances and songs of fishermen. Drummers and gong players performed along both sides of the route.
Participants are seen during a hiking event in Dapeng.
A hiking event was also held in Dapeng, with a total of 100 teams, each consisting of three people, ascending Dayanding. The 19-kilometer hiking route began at Dapeng Yacht Club, followed Nan’ao Xindong Road, passed through Yangmeikeng and Luzui Ecological Way, and concluded at Dayanding, before returning to the yacht club. The champion team completed the route in 2 hours, 45 minutes, and 30 seconds.
An intangible cultural heritage performance at the finish line of the 2025 Dapeng Outdoor Sports Carnival.
Additionally, an intangible cultural heritage week is being held at Dapeng Fortress. Visitors who missed the shows at the running event can find activities at Dapeng Fortress. They will also have the opportunity to learn how to make rice cakes, a local delicacy, and practice blue dyeing, a traditional technique.
A New Year's concert in Dapeng. Courtesy of iDapeng WeChat account
Singers and art troupes from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area gathered for a New Year concert at Xichong Beach in Nan’ao on the last night of 2024. The classic Cantonese songs and pop music brought joy and beautiful wishes to the audience.
A stunning view of bald cypress trees at Hetang Shanshui Park. Courtesy of iDapeng WeChat account
It is the time to appreciate the bald cypress with its green leaves turning stunning coppery red at Hetang Shanshui Park. Sunlight shines among the leaves, transforming the footpaths into a golden blanket. Visitors can also admire the Cosmos flowers in the park, which are in full bloom and convey wishes of happiness and joy.