The International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, was filled with festive energy on Wednesday, the first day of the 2025 Chinese New Year, as crowds gathered to enjoy colorful performances and festivities.
As one of the most famous landmarks in Urumqi, the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaarnow serves as a key sightseeing and shopping destination.
On the day, the drum dancing performances at the Grand Bazaar combined Ansai waist drumming, a large-scale folk dance origined in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province with a rich history spanning over 3,000 years, with Xinjiang's local hand drum performance, creating a harmonious blend of northwestern Chinese musical traditions.
The powerful beats echoed through the air, adding some vivid and festive atmosphere to the place.
"It's excellent. I am enjoying the very festive and joyful atmosphere here," said Ma Yue, a tourist at the International Grand Bazaar. "I watched a waist drum performance, and joined the group to perform Xinjiang folk dances. It's great, and we had a lot of fun. There is strong festive atmosphere here," said Luo Huan, another tourist.
During the Spring Festival holiday season running from January 28 to February 4, three celebratory events featuring intangible cultural heritages, including Ansai waist drumming, Xinjiang folk song singing and dance performances, and parades of traditional Chinese mythological characters, will be showed at the Grand Bazaar under a theme of "Enjoy the Spring Festival at Grand Bazaar", offering visitors a unique festive experience.
The 2025 Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year's Day, falls on Wednesday, ushering in a Year of the Snake. As the most significant holiday on the Chinese lunar calendar, it is a time for family reunions and festive celebrations, and reflecting on the past year. The zodiac snake ranks the 6th in the cycle of 12 zodiac animals on the Chinese lunar calendar.

Spring Festival celebrations staged at Grand Bazaar in northwest China's Xinjiang