As the New Year's Day holiday approaches, cities across China have kicked off a series of celebratory events and residents are already planning their itineraries for the upcoming three-day break from January 1 to 3, in anticipation of a vibrant start to 2026.
Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, is set to host over 120 cultural and tourism events to welcome the New Year, with the centerpiece being a spectacular light show along the Yangtze River, the longest waterway in China.
For the first time, the historic Jianghan Custom House, one of the landmarks in the city, will integrate laser displays, symphonic performances, and a bell-ringing ceremony to celebrate the New Year.
Nine iconic landmarks, including the Yellow Crane Tower, Qingchuan Pavilion, and a ferris wheel, dubbed "Donghu Eye", along with 12 high-rise buildings along the riverbanks are also expected to be illuminated simultaneously.
To ensure smooth public travel during the holiday, Wuhan will extend subway operation time until 01:00, while launching three free shuttle bus routes.
In Changxi Village, east China's Anhui Province, artisans are also actively engaged in crafting traditional zodiac-themed lanterns for the upcoming New Year parade. This centuries-old tradition of lantern-making and lantern dancing has been passed down through generations, with each lantern embodying symbolic aspirations for blessings, good fortune, and prosperity in the new year.
Meanwhile, flower markets in Huaxian County, central China's Henan Province, have entered their peak sales season. Vendors have stocked up on a wide range of plants, from common greenery to specialty blooms, and will remain open during the New Year and Spring Festival holidays spanning from January to February.
"Customer traffic has increased by more than 30 percent compared to usual days. Flowers in red and other bright colors are especially popular," said Wang Xueyang, a merchant.
For a three-day holiday break, residents of Taiyuan in north China's Shanxi Province, have already made travel plans in advance.
"Established destinations like Yunnan, Harbin and Haikou remain primary choices for domestic travel in China, while Xi'an, Zhengzhou and Beijing, which are reachable within a four-hour high-speed rail journey, are also popular options. Bookings have peaked in mid-December, with registrations increasing 30 percent compared to the previous year," said Zhang Ping, a staff member of a local travel agency, Taiyuan China Travel Service.
Holiday vibes strong across China as new year draws near
