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Folk, new festivities fill Spring Festival holiday with vibrant spirit

China

China

China

Folk, new festivities fill Spring Festival holiday with vibrant spirit

2025-02-04 03:55 Last Updated At:04:17

A vibrant array of cultural events blending traditional folklores with modern festivities is being held across China to celebrate the Spring Festival holiday, which runs from January 28 to February 4 this year.

Whipping the "spring cow" activity was held at the Beijing Ancient Observatory in Beijing, capital of China, on Monday, to mark the Beginning of Spring, or "Lichun" in Chinese, a solar term to mark the formal start of spring.

In Yizheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province, more than 20 folk performances, including dragon and lion dances, drumming, and yangko dance, were staged on the streets during the holiday, bringing joy and festive blessings to residents and tourists alike.

In Shenzhen City, south China's Guangdong Province, robot dogs took the stage for a lion dance performance that wowed the crowd.

"I think it's very special as it combines advanced science and technology, and children especially love it. It's a surprise," said Yuan Xiaoqing, a local resident.

During the Spring Festival holiday, special activities are being staged across the country.

In north China's Tianjin Municipality, a pedestrian street has been transformed into a drama stage, featuring immersive performances and close interactions with performers, drawing many residents and tourists to stop and watch.

In Sanya City, south China's Hainan Province, large-scale live performance "Red Detachment of Women" offered visitors a captivating cultural experience.

Meanwhile, in Shuozhou City, north China's Shanxi Province, a tour of ancient architecture was launched, centered around the Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple. With its exquisite craftsmanship and rich historical heritage, the site has continued to attract a steady flow of visitors.

Meanwhile, many people are embracing sports during the holiday.

Major ski resorts in northeast China's Jilin Province have seen a surge in visitors, as the region's unique ice and snow resources make it a popular winter destination for both locals and tourists.

In Quzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, a rural sports festival rich in local flavor has created a lively atmosphere, with villagers celebrating the festive spirit through sports, showcasing a joyful and healthy lifestyle.

In Guigang City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, tourists donned spacesuits and stepped into a space capsule to experience the living conditions of astronauts.

Meanwhile, in Yantai City, east China's Shandong Province, a temple fair themed around space science and technology offered a unique celebration. Various interactive exhibits allowed visitors to not only enjoy the festive atmosphere but also immerse themselves in the wonders of space exploration.

During the festival, dazzling light shows illuminate the night. In Zhongshan City, south China's Guangdong Province, thousands of lanterns brighten a century-old street, while vibrant Spring Festival celebrations create a festive atmosphere.

During the Spring Festival holiday, the streets and alleys of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are filled with a vibrant festive atmosphere. The street markets are adorned with traditional decorations, creating a lively holiday ambiance amid a diverse array of street food.

Many landmark attractions in the Macao Special Administrative Region are bustling with visitors. Spectacular performances, including face-changing acts and folk music, have been staged in the historic Taipa district and the Garden of the Surrounding of Monte Fort, drawing crowds of residents and tourists who pause to watch and capture the festive moments.

Folk, new festivities fill Spring Festival holiday with vibrant spirit

Folk, new festivities fill Spring Festival holiday with vibrant spirit

Iran on Tuesday warned it would deliver a stern response to any new aggression, after U.S. President Donald Trump ordering preparations for a prolonged naval blockade of the country.

Trump has instructed his administration to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran as the ceasefire remains in place amid stalled talks, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing U.S. officials.

In recent meetings, including a Monday discussion with top security officials in the White House, Trump opted to continue squeezing Iran's economy and oil exports by preventing shipping to and from its ports, said the report.

The president assessed that the blockade, "a high-risk bid" to compel Tehran's nuclear capitulation, carries less risk than other options -- resume bombing or walk away from the conflict, the officials were quoted as saying.

Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated the same day that Tehran has completed "all necessary arrangements" to counter the U.S. naval blockade.

She noted that Iran's primary strategy focuses on maximizing its geographical advantages through effective tactical maneuvers.

Also on Tuesday, Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia declared that the military considers the current situation a state of war.

Akraminia added that Iran has fully updated its target lists and operational equipment, promising a "stern response" to any further aggression.

Mujtaba Ferdosipour, head of Iran's Interests Section in Cairo, told the IRNA news agency on Wednesday that U.S. attempts to force unilateral demands through a naval blockade are ineffective. He stressed that Iran's extensive land borders with neighboring countries provide viable alternatives to bypass the maritime restrictions.

Ferdosipour reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to vessels linked to Israel and the United States. He asserted that Iran has the right to manage security in the strait, maintaining that this position does not violate international conventions.

The envoy further stated that Iran does not trust the United States and has no desire for direct negotiations. He emphasized that Tehran can employ all available means to defend itself against attacks.

According to the latest data from the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz have plummeted by 95.3 percent since Feb 27. The disruption has caused global food prices to rise by approximately six percent, while crude oil prices in European markets have surged by nearly 50 percent.

Iran warns of stern response as US plans prolonged blockade

Iran warns of stern response as US plans prolonged blockade

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