Meizhou Travel Guide | Lantern Festival is over, but the celebrations continue in Gaopo

Not only in Zhanjiang and Chaozhou, but also in Meizhou, Guangdong, the Lantern Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Different counties and townships have different customs and intangible cultural heritage. In Gaopo, Dapu, Meizhou, there is a saying: "After the 21st of the first lunar month, the year is over." · On the 21st of the first lunar month, Gaopo Town welcomes the arrival of the Emperor of Heaven and Earth. This is an important festival to connect with fellow villagers and pray for the Emperor's blessing. On this day, every household welcomes guests, decorates with lanterns, and bustles with activity. How do locals welcome the arrival of the Emperor? Let me tell you today. · 【Welcome the Emperor】 Traditionally, people fast on the morning of the Emperor's arrival. This year, my aunt woke up early to make dumplings and prepare ingredients. After lunch, neighbors worked together to set up offerings and decorate with lanterns. In the afternoon, relatives and friends visited one after another. My uncle cooked two large pots of food, and the "early night" meal began at 16:00. In the evening, crowds gathered on the streets to watch the lantern parade. Around 18:00, the procession of the Emperor of Heaven and Earth began, and the streets were packed with people. When the Emperor of Heaven and Earth arrived at the lantern display, people burned incense and prayed for good weather, national prosperity, and peace for the people. · 【Procession Route】 18:00 Zhuhang Bridge → Baiyu Road → Fudi Street → Zhongshan Road → Shizi Street Intersection → Back Street → Main Street → Chaihang Street (20:00) → Xia Baji → Shuitou → Yanjiang Market → Purchasing and Sales Wharf → Yanjiang Second Road → Yanjiang First Road → Yongxing Street → Hechun Street → Eight Characters Wharf → Return to the palace · 【Highlights】 ① The festivities begin in the afternoon of the 21st of the first lunar month. On the streets, you can see lion dances, eight-tone gongs and drums, and English folk dances. Intangible cultural heritage performances are held one after another. ② Each street's lantern display has its own unique characteristics, creating a beautiful scenery for the procession. The main feature of Gaopo Town is the offerings of three animals, which are in various shapes and creative. ③ The procession is traditionally led by golden drums and flags, eight banners, soldiers, gongs and drums, the Emperor, dragon and lion dances, and lantern floats. The procession is several hundred meters long. In recent years, Chaozhou English folk dances have added to the excitement, and this year, the popular Nezha has also been seen. ④ The sound of fireworks and firecrackers indicates that the procession is about to arrive. You can burn incense and pray for blessings at each lantern display. ⑤ After the procession, residents of the lantern display will share lucky meat. If you are hungry, you can join in and the residents will be very welcoming. · The celebrations in Gaopo continue until the 21st of the first lunar month. In 2025, the welcoming of the Emperor of Heaven and Earth is over, and the town has returned to its usual tranquility. We will meet again next year and continue the festivities. · 【Check-in information】 Gaopo 21st Welcoming the Emperor of Heaven and Earth Traditional Event Time: Every year on the 21st of the first lunar month (parade starts at 18:00) Location: Gaopo Town, Dapu County, Meizhou City, Guangdong Province Transportation: 1. Self-driving: Exit Gaopo on the expressway 2. High-speed rail: Transfer to Dapu direction at Meizhou West Railway Station and take a bus to Gaopo 3. Take a taxi from Meizhou Meixian Airport and take a taxi to Gaopo