Shaoguan Festivals And Activities

Located in northern Guangdong Province (广东省), Shaoguan City (韶关市) has a diverse festival calendar shaped by Hakka traditions, Yao ethnic culture, Buddhist heritage, mountain landscapes, agricultural seasons and modern urban tourism.

Shaoguan’s festival resources are often described through five tourism colors: red revolutionary heritage, green mountains and rivers, ancient cultural traditions, golden countryside and silver hot springs. This combination creates a year-round calendar of temple fairs, folk processions, agricultural exhibitions, flower-viewing events, ethnic ceremonies, outdoor activities and urban celebrations.

The most important festival areas include central Shaoguan, Danxia Mountain, Nanxiong, Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, Wengyuan, Xinfeng and Qujiang. Each destination has a distinct seasonal identity:

Traditional festival dates are often based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Scenic-area programs, concerts, markets and public performances may change from year to year, so travelers should confirm the current schedule before departure.

Main Types of Festivals in Shaoguan

Shaoguan’s festival calendar can be divided into four main categories.

Hakka and Local Folk Festivals

Hakka culture is widely represented through lion and dragon dances, surname and ancestral ceremonies, temple fairs, village processions, rice-dumpling customs, rural markets and regional opera.

These events are particularly visible during Lunar New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival and village temple celebrations.

Agricultural and Seasonal Festivals

Shaoguan’s countryside produces orchids, plums, ginkgo products, fruits, tea, vegetables and other agricultural goods.

Seasonal festivals frequently combine flower viewing, fruit picking, farm-product exhibitions, country fairs, photography, hiking and local food.

Yao Ethnic Festivals

The most distinctive minority festivals are concentrated in Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County (乳源瑶族自治县).

The Panwang Festival (盘王节), Ruyuan Shiyue Chao Festival (乳源十月朝) and Eryue Chao Festival (二月朝) present Yao ancestor worship, long-drum dancing, folk songs, ceremonial clothing, traditional sports and communal banquets.

Urban Tourism and Holiday Events

Central Shaoguan hosts public concerts, Lunar New Year markets, lantern displays, museum exhibitions, cultural performances and year-end celebrations.

Danxia Mountain, hot-spring resorts and other scenic areas also organize holiday programs during Lunar New Year, the May Day holiday, summer vacation and New Year’s Eve.

Spring Festivals: Lunar New Year, Flowers and Temple Fairs

Shaoguan’s spring festival period generally extends from Lunar New Year through April. It is the main season for blessing ceremonies, lantern displays, flower viewing and folk processions.

Because many traditional dates follow the lunar calendar, their Gregorian dates change every year.

Shaoguan Lunar New Year Celebrations

During the period from the first to the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, districts and counties across Shaoguan organize festive activities.

Typical programs include:

• Dragon and lion dances
• Lantern displays
• Hakka folk performances
• New Year markets
• Traditional handicrafts
• Local food stalls
• Community concerts
• Family entertainment
• Temple visits and blessing ceremonies

Central Shaoguan’s main commercial and cultural areas, including Bainian East Street (百年东街), usually organize holiday markets and public performances.

Programs differ each year, and some activities may be concentrated on weekends or the Lantern Festival.

Lunar New Year at Zhuji Ancient Lane

Zhuji Ancient Lane (珠玑古巷) in Nanxiong is strongly connected with clan history, migration traditions and surname culture.

During Lunar New Year, activities may include long-dragon processions, ancestral blessings, folk performances, traditional-costume displays and local-product markets.

The ceremonial dragon is sometimes promoted as a multi-section Hakka dragon, symbolizing unity, prosperity and the continuity of clan traditions.

For travelers interested in family history and Hakka migration, Zhuji Ancient Lane is one of Shaoguan’s most meaningful New Year destinations.

Lunar New Year Yao Programs in Ruyuan

Scenic areas around Ruyuan may organize Yao-style New Year celebrations featuring:

• Long-drum dances
• Folk songs
• Fire-themed ceremonies
• Ethnic costume displays
• Communal long-table meals
• Traditional welcome rituals
• Handicraft demonstrations

Some programs are staged cultural presentations rather than original village ceremonies. Travelers seeking a deeper cultural experience should distinguish between scenic-area shows and community-organized traditional events.

Xinfeng Hot-Spring and Flower Season

During Lunar New Year, Xinfeng’s hot-spring resorts may combine bathing holidays with flower gardens, lantern displays, family activities, outdoor performances and evening campfires.

Drone or light shows and special performances depend on the annual resort program and should not be assumed to take place every year.

This festival period is particularly suitable for families and visitors who prefer a relaxed winter holiday.

Nanhua Temple Festival

Nanhua Chan Temple (南华禅寺) in Qujiang District is one of the most important Chan Buddhist sites in southern China.

The traditional Nanhua Temple Festival (南华诞) is associated with significant religious dates, commonly observed around the eighth day of the second lunar month and the third day of the eighth lunar month.

Activities may include:

• Morning prayers
• Buddhist ceremonies
• Sutra recitation
• Lamp-lighting rituals
• Pilgrim gatherings
• Vegetarian meals
• Cultural lectures
• Religious-product displays

The event attracts Buddhist followers and cultural travelers from different regions.

Visitors should dress modestly, keep their voices low and avoid interrupting religious ceremonies. Photography may be restricted inside worship halls.

The expression “animal release ceremony” is sometimes associated with Buddhist events, but visitors should participate only in activities organized legally and responsibly by the temple. Releasing non-native or commercially purchased animals can harm local ecosystems.

Ruyuan Yao Eryue Chao Festival

The Eryue Chao Festival (二月朝) is observed during the second lunar month in some Yao communities.

It is traditionally linked with spring farming, community blessings and prayers for favorable weather.

Festival activities may include Yao folk-song exchanges, small long-drum dances, offerings to local deities or ancestors, village gatherings and markets selling agricultural products.

Compared with the larger autumn festivals, Eryue Chao is usually more localized and community-based. Public programs vary among villages and may not be organized as a large tourist event every year.

Meiguan Plum Blossom Season

The historic Meiguan Ancient Road (梅关古道) in Nanxiong is one of Shaoguan’s main winter and early-spring flower-viewing destinations.

Plum blossoms usually appear between winter and early spring, with the exact flowering period depending on temperature.

Seasonal programs may include:

• Plum blossom viewing
• Ancient-road walking
• Poetry gatherings
• Traditional music
• Hanfu photography
• Local handicrafts
• Plum-themed food and cultural products

The stone road can be slippery after rain. Comfortable non-slip shoes and a windproof jacket are recommended.

May Day Cultural Programs

During the May Day holiday, major scenic areas across Shaoguan normally expand their visitor programs.

Danxia Mountain Holiday Carnival

Danxia Mountain (丹霞山) may organize traditional-style or martial-arts-themed activities, including costumed performances, scenic-area treasure hunts, cultural markets, interactive games and evening programs.

Cruises and water-based experiences depend on river conditions and operating arrangements.

The scenic area is extremely busy during national holidays. Visitors should reserve tickets and accommodation in advance and begin walking routes early in the morning.

Zhuji Ancient Lane Cultural Programs

Zhuji Ancient Lane may stage performances based on southward migration stories, clan culture and traditional Hakka customs.

The holiday period is suitable for learning about the historical movement of families from northern China into Lingnan.

Rural Spring Activities

Counties and villages across Shaoguan may organize fruit picking, farming experiences, family games, hiking and handicraft workshops during the May Day holiday.

These events are usually announced shortly before the holiday and may be affected by weather.

Summer Festivals: Dragon Boats, Mountains and Rural Harvests

Summer festivals combine water culture, outdoor recreation and seasonal agriculture.

Heavy rainfall is common from late spring through early summer. River and canyon programs can be cancelled at short notice for safety reasons.

Beijiang Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.

Dragon-boat activities may be organized along suitable sections of the Beijiang River (北江) or by riverside communities in and around central Shaoguan.

Typical programs include:

• Dragon-boat racing
• Ceremonial boat launching
• Hakka rice-dumpling markets
• Folk music and opera
• Riverside food stalls
• Community performances

The exact race location and scale may change each year according to river conditions and official arrangements.

Spectators should remain behind safety barriers and avoid standing on slippery riverbanks. During periods of high water or heavy rain, races may be postponed or cancelled.

Danxia Mountain Summer Season

From June through August, Danxia Mountain may organize summer recreation programs such as scenic cruises, night tours, traditional-costume activities, music events and camping-related experiences.

The mountain is hot and exposed during midday. Early morning and late afternoon are better for hiking.

Visitors should not enter restricted river areas or undeveloped streams. Camping is permitted only in designated locations and according to current scenic-area rules.

Ruyuan Summer Mountain Activities

Ruyuan’s mountains, forests and gorges make it one of Shaoguan’s principal summer destinations.

Seasonal activities may include:

• Regulated rafting
• Forest walking
• Cultural programs at Yunmen Mountain
• Yao folk performances
• Summer camps
• Nature education
• Mountain resort stays

The Ruyuan Grand Canyon (乳源大峡谷) should not be entered during severe-weather warnings. Flash floods, rockfalls and slippery steps are major risks after heavy rainfall.

Rural Fruit and Agricultural Festivals

Wengyuan Sanhua Plum Season

Wengyuan is associated with agricultural products and seasonal fruit cultivation.

During the Sanhua Plum (三华李) harvest, some towns or farms may organize picking activities, countryside markets and agricultural-product promotions.

Visitors should enter orchards only with permission and should confirm whether fruit picking is included in an admission or farm-experience package.

Xinfeng Chayote Agricultural Activities

Xinfeng Chayote (新丰佛手瓜) is one of the county’s recognized agricultural products.

Harvest-related fairs may include farm visits, agricultural-product displays and local cooking experiences.

Luokeng Grassland Outdoor Activities

The Luokeng area (罗坑) in Qujiang may host camping, outdoor recreation or rural cultural events during suitable weather.

Activities are not always annual or fixed. Camping should take place only in legally managed areas with proper fire-control and waste-disposal arrangements.

Autumn Festivals: Harvests, Ginkgo and Yao Culture

Autumn is Shaoguan’s busiest festival season.

Clearer weather supports hiking, photography, village markets and outdoor ceremonies. The period from October to early December includes several of the region’s most recognizable cultural and scenic events.

Nanxiong Ginkgo Viewing Season

The ginkgo landscapes of Nanxiong are concentrated around Maozifeng Forest Farm (帽子峰林场), Pingtian Town (坪田镇) and nearby villages.

The main viewing period is usually from the second half of November into early December. However, leaf color is controlled by temperature, rainfall and cold-air activity, so peak conditions vary each year.

Seasonal activities may include:

• Ginkgo forest walks
• Photography programs
• Village markets
• Agricultural-product sales
• Traditional handicrafts
• Local food
• Outdoor social activities
• Nature education

Some restaurants may serve dishes promoted as ginkgo chicken or ginkgo rice noodles. Raw or improperly prepared ginkgo seeds can be harmful, so visitors should consume only professionally prepared food in moderate quantities.

Ginkgo weekends can bring severe traffic congestion. Arriving before the main daytime visitor flow is recommended.

Shaoguan Forest Culture Week

During Guangdong’s forest-culture promotion period, Nanxiong and other forest destinations may host hiking, ecological education, forest-product exhibitions and outdoor recreation.

Programs depend on the provincial and local annual schedule.

These activities are suitable for families, school groups and visitors interested in forest conservation.

Ruyuan Shiyue Chao Harvest Festival

The Ruyuan Shiyue Chao Festival (乳源十月朝) begins around the first day of the tenth lunar month.

It is one of Ruyuan’s most important cultural seasons, combining harvest thanksgiving, ancestor remembrance, community celebration and Yao–Han cultural exchange.

The modern festival program may extend across several weeks rather than taking place on only one day.

Representative activities include:

• Ceremonial worship
• Yao costume processions
• Long-drum dancing
• Folk-song evenings
• Traditional sports
• Agricultural-product markets
• Handicraft demonstrations
• Xijing Ancient Road hiking
• Communal long-table banquets
• Cultural exhibitions

Not every activity is held every day. Visitors should identify the main ceremony dates and performance locations before arranging transport.

Panwang Festival

The Panwang Festival (盘王节) is traditionally associated with the sixteenth day of the tenth lunar month.

It honors King Pan or Panwang (盘王), regarded in Yao tradition as an ancestral figure. The festival preserves important elements of Yao history, migration memory, ritual music, oral traditions and ceremonial clothing.

Depending on the community and event format, ceremonies may include:

• Ancestor worship
• Ritual lamps
• Religious specialists
• Long-drum performances
• Yao songs and dances
• Traditional costume processions
• Communal meals
• Formal offerings
• Blessing rituals

The Panwang Festival is a culturally significant occasion rather than simply an entertainment event.

Visitors should remain quiet during ceremonies, follow instructions from community organizers and avoid touching ritual objects.

Photography of religious specialists, offerings or private ceremonies should be undertaken only after permission has been granted.

Xinfeng Autumn and Winter Forest-Color Festival

The forest-color season around Yunji Mountain (云髻山) generally becomes prominent in late autumn or early winter.

Programs promoted as a maple or red-leaf cultural festival may include traditional performances, outdoor sports, local food, rural markets and scenic sightseeing.

The exact dates, event edition and program vary. References to a particular numbered edition should be updated before publication each year.

Winter Festivals: Orchids, Hot Springs and New Year Celebrations

Winter in Shaoguan is relatively dry and is the main season for orchids, hot springs, plum blossoms and New Year programs.

Guangdong Wengyuan Orchid Cultural Tourism Festival

Wengyuan County (翁源县) is an important orchid-growing area and regularly organizes orchid exhibitions and industry events.

The festival has often been scheduled around late December, but the opening date and duration should be confirmed through the annual announcement.

Main activities may include:

• Orchid variety exhibitions
• Horticultural displays
• Industry meetings
• Business negotiations
• Orchid-growing demonstrations
• Floral design
• Cultural products
• Public education
• Agricultural-product sales

The event serves both professional orchid businesses and general visitors.

Travelers interested in horticulture should allow a full day for exhibition halls, growing bases and countryside attractions.

Xinfeng Hot-Spring Wellness Season

From December through February, Xinfeng’s resorts promote hot-spring and wellness travel.

Seasonal programs may include:

• Outdoor hot-spring bathing
• Resort markets
• Campfire activities
• Family games
• Health-oriented menus
• Forest walks
• Lantern displays
• Holiday performances

Special light shows, aviation experiences and fireworks are not guaranteed every year.

Visitors should confirm resort programs, bathing regulations and accommodation availability before traveling.

Shaoguan New Year’s Eve Activities

On or around December 31, central commercial districts, scenic areas and hot-spring resorts may organize New Year’s Eve programs.

Possible activities include:

• Outdoor concerts
• Light displays
• Countdown events
• Cultural performances
• Family entertainment
• Hot-spring parties
• Scenic-area night tours

Programs around Bainian East Street (百年东街), commercial centers and major resorts may change annually.

Fireworks are subject to local fire-safety and environmental regulations and should not be assumed to be included.

Public transport becomes limited late at night, so visitors should arrange return transport before attending an evening event.

Yao Ethnic Festivals in Ruyuan

Ruyuan is the main center of Yao culture in Shaoguan.

The local Yao population is commonly associated with the Iu Mien or Pan Yao tradition, often described in Chinese tourism materials as Guoshan Yao (过山瑶).

Yao celebrations can be divided into traditional community festivals and staged scenic-area performances.

Traditional Community Festivals

Traditional festivals are organized by villages, cultural associations or local authorities.

Their purpose may include ancestor worship, harvest thanksgiving, agricultural blessings, community reunion and the preservation of language, music and dress.

Important examples include:

• Eryue Chao Festival
• Shiyue Chao Harvest Festival
• Panwang Festival
• Village worship ceremonies
• Long-drum gatherings
• Folk-song events

Traditional ceremonies may not be designed primarily for tourists. Visitors should behave as guests rather than as participants entitled to unrestricted access.

Scenic-Area Yao Performances

During holidays, Yunmen Mountain (云门山) and Yao-themed cultural attractions may present programs such as:

• Yao long-drum dance
• Bamboo-pole dance
• Folk singing
• Traditional costume shows
• Welcome ceremonies
• Communal toasting customs
• Long-table dining
• Embroidery workshops

These programs provide an accessible introduction to Yao culture but should not be presented as identical to private village rituals.

Yao Long-Table Banquets

The Yao Long-Table Banquet (瑶族长桌宴) is a communal dining experience often included in festival or scenic-area programs.

Meals may feature rice wine, local pork, chicken, vegetables, smoked products and seasonal mountain ingredients.

Reservations are advisable for large groups because banquet seating and food preparation require advance organization.

Travelers with dietary restrictions should explain them clearly before the meal. Vegetarian, halal and allergy-sensitive requirements may not be easy to arrange without advance notice.

Cultural Etiquette at Yao Festivals

Visitors should follow several basic principles:

• Ask permission before photographing people in ceremonial clothing.
• Do not touch altars, ritual drums, offerings or religious objects.
• Remain quiet during worship ceremonies.
• Do not imitate sacred actions without invitation.
• Accept food or drink politely, but explain health or religious restrictions when necessary.
• Do not treat ceremonial clothing as an unrestricted costume prop.
• Respect village boundaries and private homes.
• Avoid flying drones without permission.

When joining a song, dance or banquet, follow instructions from local hosts.

Festival Travel by Self-Driving

Self-driving is generally the most convenient way to attend festivals outside central Shaoguan.

Events are spread across mountain counties, scenic areas and villages where public transport may be infrequent.

Spring Blessing and Flower Route

Central Shaoguan – Nanhua Chan Temple (南华禅寺) – Meiguan Ancient Road (梅关古道) – Yunmen Mountain (云门山)

This route is suitable for Lunar New Year, the Nanhua Temple Festival, plum blossoms and Yao cultural programs.

A practical itinerary requires several days because Meiguan and Ruyuan lie in different directions from central Shaoguan.

Autumn Ginkgo and Forest-Color Route

Central Shaoguan – Nanxiong Ginkgo Area – Xinfeng Yunji Mountain

This route connects Nanxiong’s golden ginkgo scenery with Xinfeng’s forest colors and hot springs.

Because Nanxiong and Xinfeng are separated by a substantial driving distance, travelers should not attempt both as a hurried day trip.

Ruyuan Yao Festival Route

Central Shaoguan – Ruyuan County Town – Yao Cultural Area – Xijing Ancient Road (西京古道)

This route is suitable for Shiyue Chao and Panwang Festival programs.

Festival ceremonies may be held in different villages or venues, so the exact event location should be confirmed before departure.

Winter Orchid and Hot-Spring Route

Central Shaoguan – Wengyuan Orchid Area – Xinfeng Hot-Spring Resort

This route combines horticultural exhibitions with a winter wellness holiday.

It is suitable for families, senior travelers and small private groups.

Self-Driving Advice

Festival roads can become heavily congested around Danxia Mountain, Maozifeng, Pingtian villages and major scenic areas.

Travelers should:

• Arrive early during weekends and public holidays.
• Reserve accommodation before ginkgo and ethnic-festival periods.
• Avoid parking along narrow village roads.
• Follow temporary traffic controls.
• Check mountain-weather warnings.
• Carry sufficient fuel or charge.
• Confirm charging facilities rather than assuming every attraction has them.
• Allow additional time for rural traffic.

Mountain roads around Ruyuan and Xinfeng have frequent bends. Driving at night, in fog or during heavy rain requires particular caution.

Motorcycle Travel

Motorcycle touring can be suitable for short countryside and mountain routes, but travelers must comply with local licensing, registration, road-access and helmet regulations.

Expressway access rules for motorcycles vary by jurisdiction and road management. Riders should verify the current legal route instead of assuming that motorcycles may or may not use every expressway.

Suitable shorter routes may include:

• Central Shaoguan to Nanhua Chan Temple
• Ruyuan County Town to nearby Yao cultural venues
• Xinfeng County Town to the lower Yunji Mountain area
• Nanxiong countryside during the ginkgo season

Festival traffic, wet leaves and roadside parking create additional hazards. Riders should avoid narrow rural roads at peak visitor times.

Bicycle and E-Bike Travel

Urban cycling is suitable around central Shaoguan’s parks, riverside routes and cultural streets.

Countryside cycling can be considered around Nanxiong, Wengyuan and selected valley areas, provided road conditions are safe.

Recommended experiences include:

• Bainian East Street and central riverside areas
• Shaozhou Park and Furong Lake surroundings
• Rural roads near Pingtian’s ginkgo villages
• Lower-elevation countryside around Xinfeng
• Agricultural routes in Wengyuan

Mountain festival routes are demanding and may not be suitable for casual cyclists.

E-bike users should confirm whether scenic areas permit entry and should carry enough battery capacity for the return journey.

Festival Travel by Public Transport

Urban festivals around Bainian East Street, parks, museums and riverside areas can usually be reached by city bus, taxi or ride-hailing service.

Bus numbers and operating routes may change, especially during temporary festival traffic controls. Current navigation and municipal transport information should be checked on the day of travel.

Nanhua Chan Temple

Travelers can reach Qujiang by public transport or taxi from central Shaoguan.

Direct services may be limited outside busy periods, and late temple programs may finish after the last scheduled bus.

Danxia Mountain

Tourist buses and regular passenger services commonly connect central Shaoguan with the Danxia Mountain area.

Holiday demand can be high, so early departure is recommended.

Nanxiong Ginkgo Areas

Public transport can reach Nanxiong City, but ginkgo villages and Maozifeng usually require an additional local vehicle, shuttle or chartered transfer.

Seasonal traffic controls may prevent outside vehicles from entering particular village roads.

Ruyuan Festival Venues

Regular buses can reach Ruyuan County Town, but ceremonies may take place in villages or scenic areas outside the town center.

A local transfer should be arranged in advance.

Wengyuan Orchid Venues

Exhibition halls, growing bases and rural festival locations may be separated from the main county transport station.

A taxi or private transfer is often necessary.

Evening Transport

Late-night public transport is limited in county and village areas.

Travelers attending New Year concerts, ethnic song evenings, banquets or night performances should not assume that a return bus will be available.

Safer options include:

• Staying overnight near the venue
• Booking a private vehicle
• Arranging a designated driver
• Confirming a ride in advance

Driving after drinking rice wine or other alcohol is strictly unsafe and illegal.

Festival Accommodation

Accommodation demand increases sharply during:

• Lunar New Year
• May Day
• National Day
• Nanxiong ginkgo season
• Panwang Festival
• Ruyuan Shiyue Chao
• Wengyuan orchid events
• New Year’s Eve
• Major hot-spring weekends

Hotels and village guesthouses may fill quickly.

Travelers should reserve early, confirm cancellation rules and check the distance from the actual event venue. A hotel described as being in the same county may still be more than an hour from a mountain village.

Festival Markets and Shopping

Festival markets commonly sell:

• Agricultural products
• Dried mushrooms and bamboo shoots
• Tea
• Hakka snacks
• Yao embroidery
• Ginkgo products
• Orchid plants
• Preserved meat
• Rice wine
• Handicrafts
• Local fruit
• Festival souvenirs

Before buying, confirm the unit price, product weight and storage requirements.

Live orchids, seeds, plant material and agricultural goods may be subject to transport or quarantine restrictions when carried across borders.

Products advertised as handmade should be examined carefully, because some festival souvenirs are mass-produced.

Food at Shaoguan Festivals

Festival food reflects the agricultural and ethnic character of each area.

Representative dishes include:

• Hakka stuffed tofu
• Free-range chicken
• Smoked pork
• Bamboo shoots
• Festival rice dumplings
• Yao-style banquet dishes
• Vegetarian temple food
• Rural vegetables
• Local rice wine
• Ginkgo-themed dishes
• Plum products
• Mountain tea

At large markets, choose stalls with clean preparation areas and good ingredient turnover.

Travelers with allergies should be cautious with peanuts, soy, shellfish, fermented foods and mixed cooking oils.

Festival Safety Advice

Mountain Weather

Rain, fog and sudden temperature changes can affect Ruyuan, Xinfeng, Nanxiong and Danxia Mountain.

Check the forecast and attraction status before departure.

Crowd Management

Follow one-way visitor routes and temporary crowd controls. Do not enter closed village lanes or climb barriers for photography.

Fire Safety

Do not light campfires, incense or fireworks outside authorized areas.

Forest-fire rules are particularly important during dry autumn and winter weather.

Drone Use

Drone flights may be restricted near temples, ceremonies, crowds, protected areas and scenic viewpoints.

Permission should be obtained before filming ethnic ceremonies or village gatherings.

Food and Alcohol

Rice wine may be served during Yao and rural banquets. Drink moderately and never drive afterward.

Two-Day Urban and Cultural Festival Tour

Day 1: Central Shaoguan Celebrations

Begin with an urban festival, museum exhibition or New Year market in Zhenjiang and Wujiang.

Explore Fengcai Tower and Bainian East Street before attending an evening performance or food market.

Stay in central Shaoguan.

Day 2: Nanhua Chan Temple and Qujiang Culture

Travel to Qujiang for Nanhua Chan Temple.

During a festival period, observe the religious program respectfully and enjoy a vegetarian lunch.

Continue to a nearby cultural or archaeological attraction before returning.

Three-Day Yao Festival Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Shaoguan

Arrive in central Shaoguan and visit Fengcai Tower, Bainian East Street and the Beijiang riverside.

Stay in the city.

Day 2: Ruyuan Yao Festival

Drive to Ruyuan and attend the main Shiyue Chao or Panwang Festival venue.

Observe the procession, long-drum dance and cultural exhibitions. Join a reserved long-table banquet when available.

Stay in Ruyuan.

Day 3: Xijing Ancient Road and Yunmen Culture

Visit part of the Xijing Ancient Road or a Yao cultural attraction.

Continue to Yunmen Temple or Yunmen Mountain before returning to Shaoguan.

Three-Day Nanxiong Ginkgo Festival Tour

Day 1: Central Shaoguan to Nanxiong

Travel to Nanxiong and visit Zhuji Ancient Lane.

Explore the county town and sample local Hakka food.

Stay in Nanxiong.

Day 2: Ginkgo Villages

Visit Maozifeng or Pingtian according to the latest leaf conditions.

Walk through the villages, attend seasonal markets and photograph the ginkgo landscape.

Stay in Nanxiong.

Day 3: Meiguan Ancient Road

Travel to Meiguan Ancient Road for hiking and historical sightseeing.

During the winter flowering period, combine the route with plum blossom viewing before departure.

Four-Day Winter Orchid and Hot-Spring Tour

Day 1: Central Shaoguan

Visit Fengcai Tower, Bainian East Street and the riverside districts.

Stay in central Shaoguan.

Day 2: Wengyuan Orchid Exhibition

Travel to Wengyuan for the orchid exhibition, growing bases and horticultural activities.

Stay in Wengyuan or continue toward Xinfeng.

Day 3: Xinfeng Hot Springs

Enjoy a relaxed hot-spring day with optional forest walking and seasonal resort activities.

Stay at a hot-spring resort.

Day 4: Yunji Mountain

Visit the lower Yunji Mountain area for forest scenery and seasonal colors before returning.

Four-Day Shaoguan Festival Circuit

Day 1: Central Shaoguan urban festival and Bainian East Street
Day 2: Nanhua Chan Temple and Danxia Mountain cultural program
Day 3: Nanxiong ginkgo villages or Meiguan plum blossoms
Day 4: Ruyuan Yao cultural experience or Xinfeng hot springs

This route can be adjusted according to the season. Ginkgo, plum blossoms, Yao festivals and orchid exhibitions do not occur at the same time.

Shaoguan Festival Calendar

Major Festival Events by Tourism Area

Recommended Festival Route

A seasonal festival journey through Shaoguan can follow:

Central Shaoguan (韶关市区) – Qujiang District (曲江区) – Renhua County (仁化县) – Nanxiong City (南雄市) – Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County (乳源瑶族自治县) – Wengyuan County (翁源县) – Xinfeng County (新丰县)

This route connects urban celebrations, Chan Buddhist culture, Danxia landscapes, Hakka migration history, ginkgo villages, Yao ethnic traditions, orchid horticulture and mountain hot springs.