September brings a fresh lineup of creative markets, food festivals and pop-up experiences across Guangdong. From a stationery bazaar and a Doraemon-themed exhibition to cilantro-inspired treats and a bread festival, there is plenty to explore this month. Here are some weekend picks to add to your calendar.

Button journal and stationery market, Guangzhou (纽扣手帐集市)

The Button journal and stationery market makes its Guangzhou debut, taking visitors on a journey across more than 2,000 square meters of indoor space. More than 150 stationery and creative brands will showcase their decorative tape, stickers, notebooks, stamps, memo pads, clips and other original goods. Whether you love journaling, collecting cute stationery or simply browsing creative products, there is plenty to discover.

Previous Buttonjournal and stationery market in Shenzhen (Photo: ShenzhenLOOK)

Time: September 4–6, 11:00–20:00

Address: Middle 5th Street, Fashion Tianhe Plaza, Tianhe District, Guangzhou (广州市天河区时尚天河商业广场中区中五街)

"Rollin' Wild Holiday" pop-up exhibition, Guangzhou (Rollin' Wild Holiday 失重环游记)

Europe's popular IP "Rollin' Wild" makes its South China debut in Guangzhou, with its round, lovable animal characters. The pop-up features giant inflatable characters, recreated scenes and a viewing area for the original animation. A photo corridor with classic scenes and a camera station provides ample opportunities for creative shots.

Visitors can also enjoy themed afternoon tea and a Guangzhou Zoo pop-up on September 5–6. Registration for the September 12 night run and September 19 cycling activity will be available later on Guangzhou K11 Art Mall's official RedNote account.

Time: September 4–November 4

Address: Guangzhou K11 Art Mall, No. 6 Zhujiang East Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou (广州市天河区珠江东路6号广州K11购物艺术中心)

Super Bread Festival, Zhongshan (湾区引力超级面包节)

The Super Bread Festival brings together more than 100 bakeries and more than 1,000 baked goods from across China. Visitors can sample a variety of sweet and savory treats in one location, from bagels and croissants to European-style loaves and handmade creations. Festival-exclusive products, early-bird blind boxes, special deals and interactive giveaways will also be available.

Time: September 4–8, 13:00–21:00

Address: Outside Gate 1 and inside Gate 4, TopPark, No. 686 Sunwen East Road, Zhongshan Torch Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone, Zhongshan (中山市火炬开发区孙文东路686号富逸城TopPark1号门外广场、4号门内)

Doraemon-themed pop-up exhibition, Foshan (漫画哆啦A梦主题快闪展·佛山站)

Doraemon fans may explore the iconic character's universe at this pop-up exhibition in Shunde. Highlights include five of Fujiko Fujio's manuscripts, which is a rare chance to see the artist's original brushwork up close. The exhibition also features a "Childhood Treasure Room," a manga gallery, a full-series manga wall, a "time-travel tunnel" and photo spots. Visitors can collect stamps, play games and try a capsule toy machine for a chance to win official merchandise.

Time: September 4–October 18

Address: LG atrium, OCT Harbour PLUS, No. 1 Huanle Avenue, Daliang Subdistrict, Shunde District, Foshan (佛山市顺德区大良街道欢乐大道1号佛山顺德欢乐海岸PLUS·LG层中庭)

"Every Bite with Cilantro" Cilantro Festival, Shenzhen (有个香菜节)

More than 45 stalls will serve up creative cilantro-themed food, drinks, desserts and cultural products during the festival. You can expect unique dishes like cilantro fried chicken, cilantro lattes and cilantro bread. There will also be cilantro snacks, ring-toss games and cooking competitions.

Those who are not cilantro fans are covered, too. Visitors can explore a science exhibition examining why some people dislike cilantro, watch a humorous debate on the herb, or simply enjoy live music at the themed concert.

Time: September 10–11, 15:00–21:00; September 12–13, 12:00–21:00

Address: SCPG Center, No. 69 Nonglin Road, Futian District, Shenzhen (深圳市福田区农林路69号印力中心)

T-Street Creative Mart, Shenzhen (T街创意市集)

This September, T-Street Creative Mart will feature two editions focusing on travel and outdoor adventures. Visitors can browse practical travel gear, camping and outdoor products, creative souvenirs and other handy finds for autumn getaways.

Time: September 12–13 and September 25–26

Address: North area, OCT-LOFT Creative Culture Park, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (深圳市南山区华侨城创意文化园北区)

Shenzhen Tongsui Festival (深圳糖水节)

End the summer on a sweet note with Tongsui, a Cantonese dessert soup. Visitors can sample classics such as mango pomelo sago, double-skin milk and mung bean soup, alongside milk-based desserts, jelly, coconut pudding, hand-cut jelly noodles and shaved ice creations. With a combination of traditional brands and modern dessert shops, it is an easy way to taste a variety of Guangdong-style sweets in one stop.

Time: September 24–27

Address: Prince Bay Garden City VILLA, No. 50 Taiziwan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (深圳市南山区太子湾路50号太子湾花园城VILLA)

Author | Huang Xinying

Poster | Lai Meiya