The annual Xiamen Garden Expo New Year Celebration and Phoenix Flower Market opened with vibrant energy on  January 1. The event included synchronized lantern displays, market stalls and various performances during the three-day holiday period.

The Xiamen Nanyin Ensemble performed on January 2.  The performance melded traditional Nanyin music with contemporary jazz. The market included performances by multiple street artists including bands that performed traditional music on the xun (an instrument that resembles the ocarina) and patriotic song medleys.