Folklore events held across China to celebrate of Year of Snake

People across China are enthusiastically taking part in folklore events to appreciate the festive performances and captivating sceneries around the country as nationwide scenic areas offer thoughtfully designed activities to heighten joyous atmosphere for anticipating visitors.

As the first Chinese New Year arriving after the successful inscription of the Spring Festival on the UNESCO list in December, the Year of the Snake witnessed a series of cultural activities, including folk performances, being presented across China to celebrate the special occasion.

In Huzhou City of east China's Zhejiang Province, scenic areas showcased a slew of intangible cultural heritage folk performances to attract Spring Festival spectators.

The similar scenes were on in Tianshui City, northwest China's Gansu Province, with exciting shows being rolled out in Spring Festival markets.

In southwest China's Sichuan Province, Langzhong ancient town launched a series of performances to showcase local intangible cultural heritage and folk arts, inviting spectators to experience the charm of traditional culture.

"The festive atmosphere here is very strong. The intangible cultural heritage shows and the folk performances were also fantastic. Traveling to Langzhong ancient town and experiencing the festive atmosphere here gave special meaning to my Spring Festival," said Liu Ting, a tourist.

The just-concluded 2025 China Media Group (CMG) Spring Festival Gala also became a brand for cities like Chongqing and Lhasa, where a splendid sub-venue was set and became popular among tourists after the grand celebration was broadcast live nationwide on Tuesday.

"I visit Chongqing because one of the sub-venues of the 2025 CMG Spring Festival Gala was set here. I saw the main stage, which is really spectacular, and the views along the Jialing River are also impressive," said Lin Chen, another tourist.

Another sub-venue set before the Potala Palace, a landmark of Lhasa City, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, also gained increasing popularity among tourists, with the number of visitors to the iconic scenic spot increasing by 21 percent year over year.

In Longyan City, east China's Fujian Province, series of festivities such as lantern fairs heightened joyous atmosphere for tourists who are lucky enough to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Snake in characteristic folk performances.

Folklore events held across China to celebrate of Year of Snake

China's manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong has completed a significant upgrade and started underwater trials, according to the country's Ministry of Natural Resources.

The China-made underwater ship, named after a mythical sea dragon, is capable of diving to depths exceeding 7,000 meters. It has completed over 300 dives since its maiden mission in August 2009 and explored waters in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean.

This latest upgrade, which began in November last year, aims to enhance its capabilities and support more frequent deep-sea missions.

According to the National Deep Sea Base Management Center, the upgrade focuses on critical components like the propulsion system and battery packs.

The propulsion system has been adjusted structurally to increase the speed from 2.5 to over three nautical miles per hour, with the replacement of three-bladed propellers with more efficient four-bladed versions.

The zinc-silver battery pack has been replaced with high-energy-density flexible lithium battery pack, which aims to improve the power reserve and reduce diving costs.

The submersible's observation capabilities have also been enhanced. An array of cameras, including high-definition video cameras and powerful lighting systems, are equipped to facilitate underwater exploration and resource assessment.

Further upgrades include two more LED light arrays at the front and three more lights at the rear and bottom, expanding the submersible's detection range and improving its ability to locate specific targets.

"This upgrade prioritizes enhancing our operational tools. We've upgraded the electrical systems, propulsion, mechanical components, observation, and communications equipment to cater to the needs of deep-sea exploration and improve operational efficiency," said Qi Haibin, a submersible pilot.

Following the underwater trials to test its stability, Jiaolong will undergo sea trials in the South China Sea in March to validate its enhanced capabilities.

"Jiaolong will be sent to the South China Sea to conduct deep-sea equipment verification. After completing the process, there will be extensive missions ahead of us," Qi said.

The submersible is scheduled for further scientific expeditions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans later this year.

China's manned deep-sea submersible completes major upgrade, prepares for exploration