An ancient city in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has presented an unforgettable celebration of music, dance, lantern show and fireworks display to welcome tourists while Yunnan Province in the southwest hosted a vibrant series of activities to mark the arrival of the Spring Festival, focused on intangible cultural heritage.
As the Xibe ancient city in Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County opened its gate, performers in traditional costumes danced to welcome tourists. The magnificent tourist destination was lit up by colorful lanterns, allowing tourists and residents to feel the jubilant holiday spirit. Meanwhile, a spectacular performance featuring a Huohu (fire pot) show alongside a fireworks display was staged, presenting a rich flavor of the new year.
Huohu performances are a captivating fusion of flame manipulation and artistry. Dressed in fireproof suits, performers shake glowing red-hot charcoal inside iron nets, creating a breathtaking display of blossoming sparks that symbolize the wish to ward off evil and ensure peace for the community.
Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, these performances incorporate elements of martial arts and acrobatics. Their origins date back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), when villagers performed fire dragon dances and sacrificed livestock to pray for safety during New Year celebrations. Over time, this tradition evolved into the dazzling fire pot performances seen today.
"I came to Qapqal in Xinjiang with my family, and our first stop was the ancient city of Xibe. It's very beautiful, and there is a lantern festival here. I felt a different flavor of the Chinese New Year. I was very happy," said Li Like, a tourist from the warm southern city of Guangzhou.
During this year's Spring Festival holiday, Yunnan Province offered a warm festive vibe with diversified folk activities, attracting a large number of tourists to celebrate the Chinese New Year there.
In Guanglu ancient town that has a history of more than 1,000 years, 16 dragon dance teams and six lion dance teams composed of nearly 200 folk artists staged a parade, winning wide acclaim from audience.
"I participate in dragon and lion dance activities every year, and hope to bring happiness to everyone. The new year has begun, and we also wish our great motherland peace and prosperity," said Zhou Rong, a dragon dancer.
When the night falls, a molten iron fireworks display took center stage in the ancient town. Blazing molten iron, heated to a temperature of 1,600 degrees Celsius, sprayed out in voluminous arcs that burst into dazzling sparks and lit up the night sky like stars. It originated in China more than 1,000 years ago.
At the Colorful Yunnan Joy World scenic area in Kunming City, wonderful performances were put on the stage one after another, such as a thrilling lion dance on quincuncial piles, magnificent Ansai waist drum dance (a unique, large-scale folk dance with a history of more than 2,000 years) and a float parade that combines the features of the Year of the Snake and the characteristics of Yunnan, such as elephants and folk dances.
Meanwhile, in Yuanjiang County, people of all ethnic groups and representatives from various industries began a parade. They sang and danced all the way, giving wonderful performances to the people along the way and conveying New Year's blessings.
The 2025 Spring Festival fell on Jan 29, marking the first day of the Year of the Snake, the 6th in the cycle of 12 zodiac animals on the Chinese calendar. In 2025, the Spring Festival holiday will be extended by one day to eight days from Jan 28 to Feb 4.
Xinjiang, Yunnan hold vibrant activities to celebrate Spring Festival
