Splendid China launches China Chic Festival

Splendid China and China Folk Culture Villages in Nanshan will hold its flagship annual event, the 2026 Splendid China Chic Festival, while also upgrading its nighttime brand, Splendid Starlight Night, to create a new immersive day-and-night cultural tourism experience from April 4 to June 1.

A major highlight of this year’s event, Splendid Starlight Night has been comprehensively upgraded and is expected to become a new driver of Shenzhen’s nighttime cultural and tourism spending.

Centered on light-and-shadow technology, intangible cultural heritage performances and traditional Chinese-style settings, the scenic area has built an immersive night-tour system featuring night shows, night scenery, night markets and night banquets.

This year’s festival will center on eight core themes — trendy shopping, intangible heritage, Peking Opera, Chinese attire, horseback archery, folk customs, large-scale shows and interactive check-ins, creating a multi-dimensional cultural experience.

An aerial view of the Song-dynasty-style district, Splendid Market · A Dream of Splendor. Photos courtesy of Splendid China and China Folk Culture Villages 

Visitors can step into the 20,000-square-meter immersive Song-Dynasty-style district, Splendid Market · A Dream of Splendor, where more than 99 live performances and over 100 photo spots make them feel as if they have entered the drama itself and experience the bustling atmosphere of Bianliang, the ancient capital of the Song Dynasty more than 1,000 years ago.

At night, they can explore the newly created large-scale water-based intangible heritage show, Emerald Lake Illusion. Set against a dramatic backdrop of fire and water, the performance blends intangible cultural heritage with technology to present a uniquely romantic Chinese aesthetic.

A view of the water-based intangible heritage show, Emerald Lake Illusion.

In the Impression China · Intangible Heritage Peking Opera Immersive Street Zone, Peking Opera moves from the stage into the streets, allowing visitors to experience the art form’s signature singing, recitation, acting and martial arts up close. The daily Chinese Attire Grand Parade features flower goddess costumes, Hanfu procession groups and ethnic costumes, creating a visually striking traditional Chinese atmosphere.

To cater to Gen Z consumption trends, the park continues to innovate its products and offerings. The Yun Yi Horseback Archery experience will make its debut in the theme park, allowing visitors not only to watch traditional horseback archery skills but also take part in hands-on activities, giving this traditional martial art new life.

Meanwhile, all 28 ethnic village areas in the park have been fully upgraded. Seven signature performances, including Princess of the Peacock and Heritage of the Yi People, have been refreshed, while nationally recognized intangible heritage acts such as Climbing the Knife Mountain and Passing Through Fire make a powerful return. Four classic large-scale shows — Dragon and Phoenix Dance, Oriental Splendor, Legend of the Desert and Dream of the Splendor — continue to run, creating a full-day lineup of high-quality performances.

The event also offers a range of ticket discounts, starting with a 79-yuan (US$11.40) early-bird night ticket for the Qingming Festival. Other options include a 159-yuan 59-day night pass for the China Chic Festival, a 299-yuan daytime ticket for two, and annual passes starting at 399 yuan for individuals and 598 yuan for families. To complete the experience, add a Chinese attire package for just 19 yuan and fully immerse yourself in traditional style.