Shenyang Events and Festivals
(Shenyang, Liaoning, China)
Befitting a city of its size and economic importance, Shenyang hosts a decent number of cultural festivals and trade events throughout the year. The former mayor of
Dalian, who transformed the city into a Chinese success story, is now trying to remodel Shenyang from an industrial area into a more attractive blend of commerce and culture.
Boasting a fairly comprehensive calendar of events, Shenyang's traditional lantern festival and other celebrations that welcome in the Chinese New Year are not to be missed, making February a particularly colourful and exciting month. The Shenyang International Dragon Boat Race each June is also rather exciting and full of fun events, drawing large crowds. Annual festivals and others seasonal things to do are all listed below.
Shenyang National Public Holidays
The People's Republic of China features a total of nine national public holidays each year:
- New Year's Day - January 1st
- Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) - February
- International Women's Day - March 8th
- International Labour Day - May 1st
- Youth Day - May 4th
- International Children's Day - June 1st
- Birthday of the Chinese Communist Party - July 1st
- Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Liberation Army (August 1st)
- National Day - October 1st
Shenyang Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015
January
- Shenyang International Ice and Snow Festival - jointly hosted by Sapporo, Japan, this month-long festival attracts ice and snow sculptors from around the globe, who come to show off their skills. A multitude of smaller events round off this important Shenyang event
February
- Chinese New Year - China's, and one of the world's, largest celebrations brings families together for a party of dragon dances, fireworks, eating and drinking
- Lantern Fair - held during the Chinese New Year celebrations, this important colourful event features the traditional lantern as the centrepiece of the festivities
- Temple Fair - during this festive week you can watch traditional folk dancing, check out the local craftwork and eat some delicious food at temples all over the city
March
- Guanyin's Birthday - the official birthday of the Goddess of Mercy, with various events take place at Buddhist temples around the city
April
- Qingming Festival - also known as the Pure Brightness Festival, this event marks the time for ploughing and sowing the fields, as well as family celebrations and educational farming exhibitions
May
- May Day - Shenyang's many parks become the setting for a week of cultural performances, flower shows and large-scale recreational activities
- Strange Slope Pagoda Tree Flower Festival - the inexplicable site of Strange Slope becomes the scene of this festival in appreciation of the city's trademark Pagoda Tree Flower
- Shenyang Korea Week - in an effort to let bygones be bygones, these two proud countries come together in Shenyang to promote their cultural and economic cooperation
June
- Shenyang International Dragon Boat Race - if you are lucky enough to be in town when these colourful, raucous boat races take place, you will have the chance to check out one of China's most interesting festivals
- Chinese Cultural Fair - cities all over China put on five days of fun and host many educational events, which are designed to raise awareness and celebrate each region's individual Chinese style
July
- Lotus Festival - the lotus is a symbol of beauty and fertility for the Chinese, and each year locals celebrate the blooming of lotus flowers at Shenyang West Lake and listen to musical concerts
August
- Shenyang International Music and Fireworks Festival - stunning fireworks and beautiful music fill the air at venues around the city at one of Shenyang's most engaging events
September
- Shenyang International Qing Dynasty Culture Festival - the city pays homage to its role as the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty with a number of parades, traditional dances and other cultural events
- Shenyang International Tourism Festival - Shenyang puts on its best face to show off both its traditional heritage and modern image, with dozens of events scheduled, including a wonderful parade of floats
- Moon Festival / Mid-Autumn Festival - families come together for this traditional Chinese harvest celebration, with elaborate banquets and other fun events
October
- Manchu Ethnic Group Folk Festival - celebrating customs that date back to the Qing Dynasty, outdoor events such as archery and horseback competitions are followed by exhibitions at the Museum of the Manchus and lots of great local food
November
- No significant events and festivals in Shenyang in the month of November
December
- Winter Solstice - the ancient Chinese believed that the masculine side of life, or yang, grows stronger following the winter solstice, and this day is celebrated across the country