A vigorous traditional dragon and lion dance parade featuring over 300 performers brought a strong festive atmosphere to spectators in Hai'an City of east China's Jiangsu Province in celebration of the Spring Festival.
This year's Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, fell on Tuesday, ushering in the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
The parade consisted of 12 squads, roaming through key locations in the city. Spectators enjoyed a visual feast as the traditional dragon and lion dance parade was passing dynamically through the crowds. Some of the spectators were so delighted that they couldn't refrain from interacting with the parade excitedly.
The event also showcased local traditional drum dances, adding to the cultural richness of the festivities.
"I ran with the parade for about two kilometers and I was virtually chasing after it! It was incredibly exciting, and the Spring Festival atmosphere here is truly strong and joyful," said Lu Yihui, a tourist.
Traditional dragon, lion dance parade sparks festive spirit in east China city
Vienna recently held the first Spring Festival parade, briefly turning the city's largest shopping mall into a festive hub where visitors joined drum performances and martial arts demonstrations.
The parade was welcomed by residents in the Austrian capital.
"Celebrations and parties are very popular, which fits in well with consumer culture. That's why it's so well received here," said Christian, a Vienna resident.
Celebration of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, also took place at one of Vienna's most prestigious addresses -- the Hotel Imperial, with lion dances performed in its lobby.
"Obviously, the lion dance is something spectacular, and we do this in our lobby, and I think it's important for the whole world to do this. For example, when I lived in Hong Kong, a lot of hotels did Oktoberfest. It brings the world together," said Thomas van Opstal, General Manager at Hotel Imperial.
The hotel manager even prepared red envelopes filled with coins, in line with Chinese New Year tradition. Besides creating an exotic atmosphere for European guests, this marketing campaign is especially tailored for tourists from China.
"We're trying more and more to attract Chinese visitors. It's a fantastic market. Obviously, the Chinese like to travel," said van Opstal.
Hotels and businesses in Vienna are attracting more Chinese visitors beyond the Spring Festival period, as Chinese tourists have become the city's fastest-growing group, with arrivals last autumn nearly doubling from a year earlier, though numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels.
Tourist arrivals also depend on the number of flight connections, which, according to van Opstal should be expanded.
"I was just recently in Asia for a sales trip. And the feedback that I got is that it's difficult to get seats on the aircraft," said van Opstal.
China Eastern Airlines recently announced a new direct flight from the central Chinese city of Xi'an to the Austrian capital, which is set to boost tourism.
Vienna marks Chinese New Year with parade as Chinese tourists grow
