Known as China's 'ice city,' Harbin has transformed sub-zero temperatures into economic gold this Lunar New Year. Local authorities report a 220% surge in tourist visits compared to 2023, with innovative ice festivals and Russian-influenced architecture drawing domestic and international travelers. Our correspondent observed families riding ice slides beneath illuminated snow castles, while restaurants serve steaming hot pots to queues of visitors.
Neo-Chinese Fashion Redefines Tradition
Shanghai showrooms reveal a fashion revolution: silk brocade meets 3D printing in collections by brands like Tang Ying and Mo Xi'an. Designers told KhabarAsia how millennial consumers drive demand for hanfu-inspired office wear, blending Ming Dynasty tailoring with minimalist aesthetics. Challenges persist in scaling production while preserving intricate embroidery techniques.
Snakes Shed Misconceptions in Lunar New Year Spotlight
At Beijing's Reptile Museum, curators showcase jade snake pendants from the Han Dynasty alongside AI-generated zodiac animations. "Snakes symbolize wisdom and renewal in our culture," explained historian Dr. Mei Ling. Interactive exhibits let visitors 'coil' through projected ink paintings, reimagining this once-stigmatized creature as a cultural ambassador.
Wealth God Art Goes Viral
Artist Pang Fei's neon-lit Caishen statues—mix of Buddhist mudras and street art aesthetics—have sold 50,000 units pre-Lunar New Year. "Young buyers want deities that match their loft decor," the creator chuckled during our studio visit. Traditional temples report increased donations, suggesting spiritual and commercial prosperity remain intertwined.
