People follow the lion parade around the Qinghefang historic area. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

A vibrant blend of tradition and technology is set to define the 2026 Spring Festival in Hangzhou's Shangcheng district, where historic streets will transform into an immersive celebration of Song Dynasty (960–1279) culture and futuristic creativity in the coming days.

Taking the historic Qinghefang area as their central point, visitors can explore the festival through an interactive map, collecting stamps while discovering cultural landmarks such as the Drum Tower and the iconic red walls of Deshou Palace. The experience combines heritage, storytelling and interactive exploration, turning the ancient neighborhood into a living cultural stage.

Technology will add a modern twist to these time-honored traditions. On the first day of the Chinese New Year on Feb 17, a special lion show will feature robotic dogs performing alongside traditional lion dancers, while drone formations will light up the night sky in a phoenix-themed display, blending Chinese folklore with innovation.

Festive surprises will extend throughout the streets, where pop-up intangible heritage blind boxes will reveal spontaneous Yueju Opera, puppetry and folk performances.

A roaming parade and hands-on cultural workshops will further immerse visitors in the holiday spirit. Balcony concerts and flash performances across Shangcheng will transform the district into an open-air theater, with about 17 shows scheduled across major commercial areas during the holiday.

To enhance visitor convenience, Shangcheng has set up 70 luggage storage points and expanded hotel baggage services, enabling travelers to explore more freely.

By merging ancient charm with digital spectacle, the district is presenting a Spring Festival where history and the future meet in one dynamic urban celebration.

People enjoy a balcony performance of Yueju Opera. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]