Tourism markets across China have launched a variety of folk activities as the Spring Festival approaches, allowing people to experience the unique charm of traditional culture and the vibrant festive atmosphere.
The Spring Festival centers around the Chinese New Year, which lands on Jan. 29 this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake.
The festival is now recognized across the globe, with nearly one-fifth of the world’s population celebrating it in various ways. It has recently been inscribed on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
A captivating Guangdong Lion Dance performance was staged at the Lianhuashan Tourist Scenic Area in Guangzhou City. Aerial lion dance performers took to the skies, stepping onto flying devices to deliver a thrilling show above the water, blending traditional lion dance culture with modern technology.
"I've seen many lion shows before, in Europe for example, but nothing compares to the real authentic lion show here in Guangzhou. It was really fantastic, really nice. It's just very magical with the water and the steam, and the sun," said a tourist from the Netherlands.
Visitors to Guangzhou are also enjoying a lively traditional clown show in a picturesque setting, where performers bring festive cheer and New Year's greetings to tourists through vibrant performances.
Meanwhile, new year celebrations in east China's Jiangxi Province are highlighting intangible cultural heritage elements with distinctive local characteristics. At an intangible cultural heritage fair in Shangrao city, performances such as Wuyuan Hui Opera and Poyang Fishing Drums have attracted many locals and tourists.
"I think it was very exciting with colorful activities, and I can feel the strong atmosphere of the New Year. I also experienced the charm of intangible cultural heritage here, as well as the charm of Chinese opera through the performances on the stage," said Dai Ying, a resident in Shangrao.
Before the Spring Festival, Shangrao will hold 12 consecutive intangible cultural heritage fair events, allowing locals and tourists to personally experience the charm of traditional culture up close.
Hukou County in Jiangxi's Jiujiang City has a long-standing custom of making and parading straw dragons during the Spring Festival, which has a history of more than 600 years. As a national intangible cultural heritage, the Hukou straw dragon combines Chinese totems with traditional art and crafts.
In Liusi Town of Hukou, Yu Fangze, the over-80-year-old representative inheritor of the Hukou straw dragon, and his daughter Yu Yuanli made grass dragons together in preparation for the Spring Festival celebrations.
"The dragon I am making is almost finished, and I am now making its tail. It will soon be ready for a parade, in which it will go from house to house through the streets, to pray for good weather and a good harvest in the coming year," said Yu Yuanli.
Folk activities across China highlight cultural charm as Spring Festival approaches
