China's bulk commodity price index continued its upward trend in January 2026, marking the ninth straight month of month-on-month gains and the highest level recorded in the past three and a half years, according to the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP) on Thursday.
The index stood at 125.3 points in January, up 6.3 percent from last month, data released by the CFLP showed.
Of the 50 major types of bulk commodities monitored by the federation, 33 saw monthly price increases.
The strongest gains were recorded in neurolithium, refined tin, and refined nickel, up 48.4 percent, 20.2 percent and 19.5 percent, respectively.
Sector-wise, the sub-index for non-ferrous metals and chemical products rose sharply, up 9.9 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively, from the previous month, due to factors such as loose expectations for international monetary policy, geopolitics, and the futures market.
The supply and demand of the agricultural products market were balanced, and the price index rebounded slightly, up 0.2 percent from the previous month.
China's bulk commodity price index up for 9 consecutive months
A village in Quzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, held a millennia-old ritual on Wednesday to celebrate the Beginning of Spring, or Lichun, the first of the 24 Chinese solar terms.
Traditionally, Lichun is also a symbolic start of farming work for the new year.
In 2016, China's 24 solar terms and related folk practices were officially inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. With 2026 marking the 10th anniversary, domestic and international guests were invited to attend the ceremony, which dates back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279).
The ceremony began with the resonant boom of drums and the chime of bells, featuring a series of rituals including welcoming the spring, offering sacrifices to the God of Spring, and a festive parade.
One of the highlights was the "whipping of the spring ox," during which children waved colorful whips and sang cheerful rhymes, while an elder villager led an ox-drawn plow to till the field, commencing the first plowing of spring.
Wu Haigen, a representative inheritor of this intangible cultural heritage, has participated in the event for more than 20 consecutive years.
"The ritual for the Beginning of Spring aims to sow hope, while whipping the spring ox symbolizes praying for a good harvest. By keeping this tradition alive today, we pass on the blessings of spring and preserve the true essence of our culture," said Wu.
The 24 solar terms, consisting of 12 major and 12 minor terms, were created thousands of years ago by the ancient Chinese to guide agricultural production.
Today, the culture behind the terms provides useful guidance for people's lives, as each term features special food, cultural ceremonies, and healthy living tips.
Traditional ritual held in Quzhou as locals observe "Beginning of Spring"
