Festive markets and various travel treats are attracting both locals and tourists across China as the New Year and Chinese Lunar New Year are approaching.
A fair in Weichuan Town of Zhengzhou City, capital of central China's Henan Province, was bustling with visitors indulging in delicious food and preparing for the upcoming festivals.
Stalls offering colorful array of goods and fresh, steaming delicacies, visitors stood in long queues to await their turn to sample the treats at the fair.
"I hope everyone can come and enjoy the New Year vibes here," said a tourist.
"The market attracts people from more than 20 surrounding counties and cities, who come here to catch up with the grand fair," said Wang Shuitian, head of Weichuan Town's cultural center.
The festival atmosphere also spreads across northern China as steamed buns of various shapes, or "hua mo", have gained popularity.
In Yuncheng City of north China's Shanxi Province, snake-shaped steamed buns are in high demand as this Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, will usher in the Year of the Snake, which will fall on Jan 29, 2025, according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
In a local workshop, artisans skillfully shaped colorful dough into intricate, snake-shaped buns. After several delicate steps, the buns were completed, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead while catering to a wide range of consumer preferences.
The sales of these buns have been expanded through both online and offline channels.
"The steam buns themed 'golden snake bringing good fortune' are in great demand. We're working overtime to keep up with orders," said artisan Ti Jiaping.
The approaching of the New Year and Spring Festival has also fueled tourism industry, with some attractions in east China's Zhejiang Province offering new travel experiences to attract visitors.
Wuzhen, a historical water town in the province, has launched special winter events, including warm pot meals made with local lamb, New Year markets, and an evening poetry reading event by the lake.
"I'm from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. I feel like I get to experience cuisines from all over China here in the south. As I'm touring around the water town here, Wuzhen feels really atmospheric in winter," shared Yuan Yuxin, a tourist.
To further boost winter tourism, Jiaxing City in Zhejiang has rolled out 20 million yuan (about 2.76 million U.S. dollars) worth of travel vouchers for visitors.
In Shengzhou, the hometown of traditional Yue opera, large troupe performances are being staged to draw fans of Chinese theater.
In Lishui City, a range of special offers, including free parking and guided tours, are available to visitors during the winter holiday season.
New Year vibes strong across China with markets, travel treats drawing tourists
