As the Spring Festival draws near, China is bustling with activity as vibrant food markets, stunning flower exhibitions and traditional activities are fueling a boost in spending as the nation ushers in festive cheer.
The Spring Festival, marking the start of the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year, is the country's grandest traditional festival when people across the country return to their hometowns for Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations and family reunion.
It falls on Jan 29 this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake, the 6th of the 12-year cycle of animals that appear in the Chinese Zodiac.
The upcoming festival has boosted the production and sales of traditional handmade noodles in Zhangmuqiao Township of east China's Anhui Province. Noodle makers begin their work in the early hours, around 2:00.
As dawn breaks, the freshly made noodles are laid out to dry in the sun, which plays a vital role in enhancing their texture, giving them a firm, chewy bite.
The craft of making Zhangmuqiao noodles has been passed down through generations, with locals continuing the tradition of preparing and enjoying these noodles during the Spring Festival.
"I take some noodles with me when leaving home. When relatives visit, they eat a little too. The noodles carry an auspicious meaning, symbolizing longevity and continuity," shared Lv Qun, a local resident.
Currently, nearly 100 households in Zhangmuqiao are involved in making the noodles. Their products are highly sought after locally and are in demand in nearby cities.
"This shipment of about 200 boxes will be sent to Shanghai. This time of year is the peak season. This month, we've got approximately 10,000 orders," said Yin Gang, head of a local food company.
In Changzhi City of north China's Shanxi Province, the production of Huangzheng, a sweet steamed sticky bean bun, is also in full swing as the Spring Festival approaches.
This sweet treat, made from glutinous millet flour, glutinous rice flour and filled with red beans and red dates, symbolizes prosperity.
Golden in color, soft, chewy, and sweet, these buns are a favorite among locals and have become a popular New Year treat.
"Today, we've made over 700 Huangzheng, primarily for sales within Changzhi. We hope that by making Huangzheng, we can boost the income of local villagers and allow more people to enjoy the local traditional delicacies," said Zhao Jianwen, a local resident.
Meanwhile, in Shanghai, flower-themed markets are booming as the Spring Festival approaches. With the growing demand for flowers, events such as flower art exhibitions and themed markets have become key attractions, adding to the festive ambiance.
On Yongfu Road in Xuhui District in the city center, a vibrant floral exhibition draws large crowds, featuring bright colors and symbolic Chinese elements, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
"I love shopping for flowers in these vibrant settings; it feels much more festive and engaging," said a local resident.
At the Expo Culture Park in downtown Shanghai, a flower-themed market has emerged as a popular destination for flower buyers, offering a fresh experience and a convenient location.
Further south in Shanxia Village of Cixi City in east China's Zhejiang Province, ancient streets are filled with the spirit of the New Year.
Lanterns adorn the streets, and the aroma of traditional treats like tangyuan, a kind of round and sweet dumpling made of glutinous rice flour and sticky rice cakes fills the air. Local folk activities such as paper-cutting and writing Spring Festival couplets add to the festive vibe.
"It's so crowded and lively here, and you can really feel the New Year atmosphere," said a tourist.
The streets also come alive with performances by people wearing traditional Hanfu attire, drawing applause from visitors.
In 2024, ancient streets in Shanxia Village welcomed over 500,000 visitors, a 50 percent increase from the previous year, with villagers seeing an average income boost of around 5,000 yuan (about 682 U.S. dollars).
Sales of traditional Chinese delights surge as Chinese New Year approaches
Sales of traditional Chinese delights surge as Chinese New Year approaches
