Nanjing

1. Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)

Time: Late January to mid-February (based on the lunar calendar)
Overview: The Spring Festival is the most important holiday in China, and Nanjing celebrates it with grandeur. The city comes alive with decorations, markets, and cultural performances.

Shopping Opportunities:

• Temple Fairs (庙会):

  • Location: Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) area.
  • What to Buy: Traditional handicrafts, paper cuttings, calligraphy scrolls, red lanterns, and Spring Festival couplets.
  • Cost: Small souvenirs range from ¥10-¥50, while high-quality handicrafts can cost ¥100-¥300.
  • Tips: Bargaining is common in open markets, but be polite and respectful.

• Specialty Foods:

  • Vendors sell Nanjing delicacies like salted duck (盐水鸭), tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), and sesame candies.
  • Cost: Street food items typically cost ¥5-¥20 per portion.

• Shopping Malls and Department Stores:

  • Major malls like Deji Plaza and Aqua City offer Spring Festival sales, with discounts of 20%-50% on clothing, electronics, and luxury goods.
  • Tip: Visit early in the day to avoid crowds.

Entertainment Options:

• Lantern Displays:

  • The Qinhuai Lantern Festival at the Confucius Temple is a must-see, featuring intricate lanterns shaped like animals, flowers, and zodiac signs.
  • Cost: Entry fees range from ¥30-¥100, depending on the venue and time.
  • Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.

• Cultural Performances:

  • Lion dances, dragon dances, and traditional music performances are held in public squares and parks.
  • Cost: Free in most cases, though some premium shows may charge ¥50-¥200.

Local Considerations:

• Crowds: Expect large crowds, especially at the Confucius Temple area. Keep your belongings secure.
• Customs: It’s customary to greet people with “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year) and give red envelopes (hongbao) if participating in family or friend gatherings.

---

2. Qinhuai Lantern Festival

Time: 15th day of the Lunar New Year (Lantern Festival)
Overview: This festival marks the end of the Spring Festival and is celebrated with lantern displays, cultural activities, and night markets.

Shopping Opportunities:

• Lanterns:

  • Handmade lanterns in various shapes and sizes are sold at the Confucius Temple area.
  • Cost: Small lanterns cost ¥20-¥50, while larger, more intricate ones can cost ¥100-¥300.

• Night Markets:

  • Vendors sell snacks, souvenirs, and traditional clothing.
  • Cost: Snacks range from ¥5-¥15, while souvenirs cost ¥20-¥100.

Entertainment Options:

• Lantern Riddles:

  • Visitors can solve riddles written on lanterns to win small prizes.
  • Cost: Free to participate.

• Fireworks and Light Shows:

  • Fireworks displays and light shows are held along the Qinhuai River.
  • Cost: Free to watch, though boat rides for a closer view cost ¥50-¥150.

Local Considerations:

• Timing: Arrive early in the evening to enjoy the lantern displays before the crowds peak.
• Photography: Lantern displays are popular for photography, so bring a good camera or smartphone.

---

3. Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival)

Time: May or June (5th day of the 5th lunar month)
Overview: This festival commemorates the poet Qu Yuan and is celebrated with dragon boat races and the eating of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).

Shopping Opportunities:

• Zongzi:

  • Vendors sell freshly made zongzi in various flavors (sweet, savory, or mixed).
  • Cost: ¥5-¥15 per piece.

• Traditional Herbs and Sachets:

  • Herbal sachets (香囊) are sold as protective charms.
  • Cost: ¥10-¥50, depending on size and design.

Entertainment Options:

• Dragon Boat Races:

  • Held on Xuanwu Lake or Mochou Lake, these races are thrilling to watch.
  • Cost: Free to watch from the shore; boat rentals for closer views cost ¥50-¥100.

• Cultural Workshops:

  • Learn to make zongzi or herbal sachets at community centers or cultural hubs.
  • Cost: ¥50-¥100 per session.

Local Considerations:

• Weather: The festival occurs during the rainy season, so bring an umbrella or raincoat.
• Customs: It’s traditional to wear a sachet or hang one at home for good luck.

---

4. Mid-Autumn Festival

Time: September or October (15th day of the 8th lunar month)
Overview: This festival celebrates family reunions and the harvest, with mooncakes and moon-gazing as central activities.

Shopping Opportunities:

• Mooncakes:

  • Specialty mooncakes are sold in bakeries, supermarkets, and street markets.
  • Cost: ¥10-¥50 per piece, depending on the filling and brand.

• Handicrafts:

  • Lanterns, jade accessories, and tea sets are popular festival purchases.
  • Cost: ¥50-¥300, depending on the item.

Entertainment Options:

• Moon-Gazing Events:

  • Public parks like Xuanwu Lake Park host moon-gazing gatherings with live music and poetry readings.
  • Cost: Park entry fees range from ¥20-¥50.

• Cultural Performances:

  • Traditional opera and dance performances are held in theaters and public squares.
  • Cost: ¥50-¥200, depending on the venue.

Local Considerations:

• Gifts: If visiting someone’s home, bring mooncakes or fruit as a gift.
• Crowds: Parks and scenic spots can get crowded, so plan your visit accordingly.

---

5. Nanjing International Plum Blossom Festival

Time: February to March
Overview: Held at the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Meihua Mountain, this festival celebrates the blooming of plum blossoms, a symbol of resilience in Chinese culture.

Shopping Opportunities:

• Plum Blossom Products:

  • Items like plum blossom tea, wine, and paintings are sold at festival stalls.
  • Cost: ¥30-¥200, depending on the product.

• Local Snacks:

  • Vendors sell snacks like plum-flavored candies and pastries.
  • Cost: ¥5-¥20 per item.

Entertainment Options:

• Photography and Painting Exhibitions:

  • Art inspired by plum blossoms is displayed at the festival.
  • Cost: Free or included in the park entry fee (¥70-¥100).

• Cultural Activities:

  • Calligraphy and poetry workshops are held in the scenic area.
  • Cost: ¥50-¥100 per session.

Local Considerations:

• Weather: Dress warmly, as February can be chilly in Nanjing.
• Timing: Visit in the morning for the best lighting and fewer crowds.

---

General Tips for Visitors:

1. Payment Methods: Most vendors accept cash (RMB) and mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay. Credit cards are less commonly used in smaller markets.
2. Language: Basic Mandarin phrases or a translation app can be helpful, as English is not widely spoken in local markets.
3. Transportation: Use public transport or ride-hailing apps like Didi to navigate the city during festivals, as traffic can be heavy.
4. Etiquette: Be respectful of local customs, such as not touching items without permission and being patient in crowded areas.

By planning your visit around these festivals, you’ll experience the best of Nanjing’s shopping and entertainment while gaining a deeper appreciation for its rich cultural heritage.