The 10 Best Cultural Events in China, China

Harbin, the capital of China's frigid Heilongjiang province in the northest, plays host to China's biggest ice sculpture festival every January. The event is rooted in the region's ancient tradition of ice lantern making, and the modern-day incarnation of these lighted vessels are giant, elaborate scupltures made of ice, plastic and colored lights. Many tourists are unprepared for just how cold the region can get in winter, but the temperatures are perfect for allowing these grandiose ice exhibits from local and international artists to survive outdoors. Winter sports such as ice skating and sledding are popular side attractions.

Throughout most of China, the western calendar's marking of the new year is much less heralded than their own Lunar New Year. But with its colonial ties to Britain, Hong Kong honors the transition from December 31 to January 1 with as much fanfare as any western city. Victoria Harbor is the place to be to watch the clock count down to midnight each year, and, as the Chinese know how to do fireworks right, expect a spectacular pyromusical fireworkshow before heading out to other New Year's Eve parties around the city.

The Cheung Chau Bun Festival, held on Cheung Chau island in Hong Kong, is named for one of its most cherished features: bun snatching. The festival takes place from April to May annually and is one of many Taoist Da Jiu festivals held across greater China that ask the gods for peace in the region. Attractions include a parade of colorful floats and costumed children, as well as the bun snatching, where participants climb up steel towers or "mountains" covered in steamed lotus seed buns trying to snatch the highest one before snatching more as they race down.

A popular fair for those seeking Cantonese culture and customs, the Guangfu Temple Fair takes place over several days in January, February, or March; the exact dates depend on the lunar calendar. A large parade through various streets in Guangzhou is a highlight of the fair, with hundreds of participants in traditional Chinese costumes performing for the crowds along the route. Restarted in 2011 after an absence of more than 100 years, this fair has entertainment for kids and adults alike, with puppet shows, bright lanterns and traditional foods all on display.

Every year, Guangzhou will have a free Light show for certain nights during the Spring Festival. It is a very popular New Year event among locals. Setting Guangzhou Tower as the centre, the two sides of Pearl River and new central axis line as the background, the show also combined with the live performances at Huacheng Square. Here, you will not only enjoy the modern lighting design, but also experience the traditional Chinese Culture of Lingnan area.