China Brings the Spirit of Spring Festival to Newport Beach, California with Immersive Lunar New Year Celebration and Winter Travel Showcase Promoting Winter Tourism Experiences

Shoppers at Newport Beach’s Fashion Island will step into a burst of red lanterns, glowing installations and winter wonder on February 28, 2026, as the China National Tourist Office (CNTO) in Los Angeles presents a large-scale Chinese New Year celebration paired with a winter travel showcase. The one-day public event will transform the popular open-air retail and dining destination into a lively cultural hub, inviting Southern California residents to experience the traditions of the Spring Festival while discovering a different side of China as a winter destination.

Set in the shopping center’s open-air paseo known as “The Hideaway,” across from the Apple store, the celebration is designed to blend culture, travel inspiration and community engagement. The space will be reimagined with holiday décor, themed installations and interactive elements that reflect the symbolism and joy of the Lunar New Year. Organizers aim to create an accessible cultural experience that feels both festive and informative, introducing visitors to the depth of Chinese traditions while highlighting travel opportunities during the colder months.

The Chinese New Year, often referred to as the Spring Festival, is the most significant holiday in China and one of the most widely observed celebrations worldwide. Each year, billions of people mark the occasion with family gatherings, traditional foods, decorative displays and cultural performances. The holiday also triggers the largest annual human migration, as millions travel across the country to reunite with loved ones. By bringing elements of this celebration to Newport Beach, the event offers a window into a holiday that shapes the rhythm of life for communities across China.

Throughout the day, guests will encounter colorful lantern displays and New Year-themed decorations that echo the streets of cities across China during the holiday period. A specially designed community photo backdrop will serve as a focal point, encouraging families and friends to capture moments together against a festive setting inspired by traditional patterns and seasonal imagery. The immersive design aims to reflect themes of renewal, prosperity and unity that are central to the Spring Festival.

Beyond the visual spectacle, the showcase will provide an educational dimension. Informational exhibits will introduce visitors to wintertime festivals, UNESCO World Heritage sites and regional culinary traditions that define China’s diverse cultural landscape. Displays will explore how different provinces celebrate the season, from northern ice and snow events to southern lantern fairs and temple gatherings. By weaving together travel content and cultural storytelling, the event seeks to broaden perceptions of China as a year-round destination.

One of the focal points of the winter travel presentation is the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in northeastern China. Known for its monumental ice sculptures and illuminated snow architecture, the festival transforms the city into a frozen art gallery each winter. Towering castles, intricate carvings and entire neighborhoods constructed from blocks of ice draw visitors from around the globe. Through imagery and curated materials, attendees in Newport Beach will gain insight into the scale and creativity of this internationally recognized spectacle.

Another highlight centers on the Great Wall during winter. While many travelers picture the landmark amid spring blossoms or autumn leaves, snow-covered sections offer a strikingly different perspective. Blanketed in white and often less crowded, the Wall takes on a quiet, dramatic beauty during colder months. The showcase will present this seasonal transformation alongside other iconic landmarks that reveal a new character when temperatures drop.

Temple fairs and lantern festivals, deeply rooted in centuries-old customs, also form a key part of the winter narrative. In cities and towns throughout China, these gatherings combine folk performances, traditional crafts and festive foods in open-air settings. The glow of lanterns, the sound of music and the aroma of seasonal dishes create an atmosphere that blends heritage with celebration. Visitors to Fashion Island will learn how these events continue to evolve while preserving their historic roots.

Winter sports and snow tourism represent another dimension of China’s growing appeal. Modern ski resorts, snow parks and cold-weather adventure experiences have expanded rapidly in recent years. Mountain destinations offer skiing, snowboarding and family-friendly attractions, contributing to a broader image of China as a destination that extends beyond its cultural landmarks. The showcase will present these offerings alongside culinary highlights, emphasizing hearty regional dishes that are especially popular during the winter season.

To amplify the message, promotional content will appear across Fashion Island’s digital screens throughout the activation. With more than 150 retailers and restaurants, the shopping center provides a high-visibility platform that connects with both local residents and visitors. The integration of travel imagery into the retail environment aims to spark curiosity among passersby who may not have initially planned to attend the event.

By pairing a beloved cultural celebration with a seasonal travel focus, the initiative underscores the connection between tradition and tourism. The Spring Festival represents renewal and fresh beginnings, making it a fitting moment to introduce new travel ideas. For many in Southern California, the event offers a chance to engage with a global holiday in an accessible setting, while also considering winter journeys that reveal a different side of China.

As lanterns glow against the coastal backdrop of Newport Beach, the celebration promises to blend commerce, culture and travel inspiration in one vibrant afternoon. Through immersive design and curated storytelling, the event seeks to leave visitors with more than photographs—it aims to spark a deeper appreciation of Chinese heritage and a curiosity about winter landscapes waiting to be explored.

The post China Brings the Spirit of Spring Festival to Newport Beach, California with Immersive Lunar New Year Celebration and Winter Travel Showcase Promoting Winter Tourism Experiences appeared first on Travel and Tour World