File photo: Folk parade in Rudong county, Nantong. [Photo/WeChat account: ntwgx6]

Nantong in Jiangsu province has planned nearly 100 cultural and tourism activities across the city for the upcoming Spring Festival holiday, which runs from Feb 15 to 23.

These activities include nearly 20 involving intangible cultural heritage, such as folk parades, Chinese New Year markets, and lantern riddle-solving. The highlight is the 2026 Nantong Chinese New Year Folk Parade, showcasing 12 stunning formations such as the tiaomafu dance, Hai'an flower drum, Sichuan's Sanxingdui costumes, and Shaanxi's Ansai waist drum.

During the Lantern Festival, the 17th Ten Thousand People Guess Lantern Riddles series will be held, with multiple sub-venues throughout the city. These events will combine folk performances and food tastings to enhance interactive experiences.

Major theaters across the city will host commercial performances, such as the Matouqin concert and acrobatic shows at Nantong Grand Theatre, stand-up comedy at Nantong Gengsu Theater, children's plays at Hai'an Grand Theatre, a Chinese pop golden hits concert at Haimen Grand Theatre, and a Chinese pop golden hits concert at Qidong Poly Theatre.

Scenic spots in the city have also organized special celebrations. Langshan Mountain Scenic Area will showcase more than 20 lantern installations at its lantern show, creating a festive and auspicious atmosphere.

Sendi Ice and Snow Ocean Park will host the popular "Snow King" parade and offer surprise interactions. Visitors can play in the snow and ice at -12 C and have close encounters with adorable penguins.

Qitang City Immersive Park will feature exciting themed activities, including fireworks shows, dragon and fish lantern dances, face-changing and fire-spitting, flash mobs inspired by Journey to the West, Chinese-style markets, and special lantern shows.

The "Haohe River Night Painting" live performance at Haohe River Scenic Area integrates Nantong's history, culture, famous figures, and folklore, providing an immersive experience of "people viewing from boats, boats traveling through paintings".

Additionally, during the Spring Festival holiday, Nantong Museum, Nantong Geyi Art Museum, Jiangsu Jianghai Museum, Hai'an Museum, and Qidong Museum will be open for longer hours.