If you're in Guangzhou and want to celebrate Chinese New Year like a local, but don't know where to start, there's one place you shouldn't miss. At Huacheng Square, right in the heart of the city, a massive New Year market brings together everything people prepare for the festival — especially the food.

From January 26 to 28, this square transforms into a large-scale cultural market as part of "Taste Chinese New Year", a nationwide celebration of China's intangible cultural heritage. The event brings together traditional foods, New Year goods, and crafts from all over the country, creating a one-stop space where culture, daily life, and celebration come together. Here, heritage isn't locked behind glass — it's something you can see, taste, touch, and experience.

One of the first things I tried was Char Siu Puff, a classic Cantonese pastry. Flaky on the outside, filled with tender pork and a slightly sweet, savory sauce, it's the kind of snack locals love to serve with tea when friends come over during the New Year. Simple, comforting, and full of festive vibes — this is what Cantonese "good life" tastes like.

Then I found something fun and a little confusing: Ji Zai Bing, or "chicken biscuit." Surprisingly, there's no chicken inside at all. The chef told me its history goes back more than 270 years. The name comes from an old brand logo featuring a chick, not from the ingredients themselves. It's these small details and stories that make Chinese New Year food so fascinating.

After the snacks, it was time for something warm — ginger milk pudding, one of the most traditional Cantonese desserts. Mixing ginger with milk might sound unusual, but in Chinese culture, ginger is believed to help warm the body and chase away internal cold. That's why this dessert is especially popular in winter and during the New Year season.

What I ate here wasn't ordinary food at all. These dishes are part of China's intangible cultural heritage — made with special recipes, traditional techniques, and histories that stretch back hundreds of years. And honestly, there's so much more in this market than I can show in one video.

The market itself is inspired by "Flower Street" (行花街), a nationally recognized Chinese New Year tradition in Guangzhou. Built around three main zones — Taste Chinese New Year, New Year Fashion, and Chinese-Style Goods — the market features more than 130 intangible cultural heritage projects from across China. From food and clothing to crafts and daily items, everything here is connected to how people welcome the New Year.

If you're spending Chinese New Year in Guangzhou and want to experience how locals really prepare for the festival, trust me — this is the place to come.