A guide to ringing in 2026 in Shenzhen

The New Year’s holiday is upon us! If you’re still deciding where to welcome 2026 in Shenzhen, look no further. From traditional cultural experiences and bustling street festivals to dazzling light shows and pet-friendly parties, the city offers a spectacular array of celebrations. Here’s a curated roundup of must-see events to match every mood.

Shenzhen Festival Avenue

Visitors interact with a performer at a previous grand parade on Festival Avenue. File photos except otherwise stated

The “One World, One Family” grand parade on the New Year’s Day is one of the city’s most vibrant and free celebrations. It features over 30 parade groups with folk dances, lion and dragon dances, drum teams, and international troupes. Join the “Festival Mr. & Ms.” voting and explore activities in six satellite venues.

Time: From 10 a.m., Jan. 1, 2026

Venue: Festival Avenue, Futian District (福田区节日大道) (along Fuhua Road from Caitian Road to Jintian Road)

Metro: Line 1 or 4 to Convention and Exhibition Center Station (会展中心站); Line 1 or 10 to Gangxia Station (岗厦站); Line 2, 10, 11 or 14 to Gangxia North Station (岗厦北站)

Qingping Ancient Market

Visitors tour Qingping Ancient Market.

Step back in time for a magical countdown. A New Year’s Eve party at Qingping Ancient Market features romantic artificial snowfall, a park fair, bonfire party with live music, and traditional performances like a fish-and-dragon procession. The night culminates with midnight fireworks, a sky lantern release, and a surprise “God-of-Wealth” flash performance to bless your new year.

Venue: Qingping Ancient Market, Bao’an District (宝安区清平古墟)

Metro: Line 11 to Shajing Station (沙井站), Exit D; then a 15-minute walk

Dongmen Pedestrian Street

A 12-day extravaganza blending traditional Chinese style with anime and gaming culture is taking place at Dongmen until Jan. 3, 2026. Enjoy Hanfu parades, live bands, creative markets, flash mobs, and street dance. Here is a paradise for fashion lovers and social media photo hunters.

Venue: Dongmen Pedestrian Street, Luohu District (罗湖区东门步行街)

Metro: Line 1 or 3 to Laojie Station (老街站), Exit A/F

OCT Harbor

OCT Harbor is hosting a “Honor of Kings” themed lantern festival during the New Year period. Highlights include a 14-meter-high Nyuwa lantern, a themed lantern of the game character Wang Zhaojun, an 11-meter-long giant Kun lantern, and a VR experience. Live singing performances are held every Friday to Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Halo Plaza.

Dates: Through March 3, 2026

Venue: OCT Harbor, Nanshan District (南山区欢乐海岸)

Metro: Line 9 to Shenzhen Bay Park Station (深圳湾公园站), Exit E

Window of the World

The theme park is presenting the “Shining New Year Season” celebration until March 6, 2026. Highlights include artificial snowfall at the carousel square, fireworks, beautiful Alpine “ice rose” displays, glittering star-tree photo installations, carnival games, and live music parties.

Tip: Check the park schedule for daily performance times.

Venue: Window of the World, Nanshan District (南山区深圳世界之窗)

Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Window of the World Station (世界之窗站), Exit H2

Happy Valley

Happy Valley is ideal for festival celebrations.

The amusement park transforms into a winter wonderland with five themed zones, from Nordic fairy tales to classic Chinese pavilions in winter attire. Enjoy special performances, roaming NPCs, sporadic snowfall, parades, and EDM parties. This year, a pet-friendly event allows visitors to bring their furry friends to enjoy select rides and special interactive spaces.

Dates: Until Feb. 1, 2026 (extended hours until 11 p.m. from Dec. 31 to Jan. 3, 2026)

Venue: Shenzhen Happy Valley, Nanshan District (南山区深圳欢乐谷)

Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Window of the World Station (世界之窗站), Exit A

Sea World

Sea World is a classic destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

This area is a classic destination for New Year’s Eve. Visit the Minghua Ship (free entry to floors 1 & 2) and enjoy the spectacular music fountain light show nightly. The waterfront atmosphere is perfect for a celebratory night out.

Venue: Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District (南山区蛇口海上世界)

Metro: Line 2 or 12 to Sea World Station (海上世界站), Exit D

Eyes of the GBA

An exterior view of the Eyes of the GBA. Sun Yuchen

Ring in the New Year with a symphony under the stars at the Eyes of the GBA New Year’s concert. Highlights include a starlit lawn concert, a countdown celebration, and a performance by the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, offering a rich cultural and artistic atmosphere.

Venue: Eyes of the GBA, Bao’an District (宝安区湾区之眼书城)

Metro: Line 5 to Baohua Station (宝华站), Exit A1/A2

Chocolate festival

The Shenzhen 2nd Chocolate Festi offers free entry with no registration required. Free samples are available from all vendors, featuring over 30 specialty chocolates from across China and Italy.

Time: 11 a.m-8 p.m., through Jan. 2, 2026

Venue: Haide Plaza, Coastal City, Nanshan District (南山区海岸城海德广场)

Metro: Line 2, 11 or 13 to Houhai Station (后海站), Exit D1

Gankeng Ancient Town

People tour Gankeng Ancient Town.

Dubbed Shenzhen’s “Great Tang Never-Sleep City,” this scenic area dazzles with lanterns, oil-paper umbrellas, and traditional architecture illuminated at night. Look out for thrilling performances like “datiehua” (iron molten flower) and fire pot shows.

Venue: Gankeng Ancient Town, Longgang District (龙岗区甘坑古镇)

Metro: Line 10 to Gankeng Station (甘坑站), Exit B; then a 10-minute walk