As the Chinese Lunar New Year approached, Zhao Xiaoyu, 24, fulfilled her long-held dream of being photographed in traditional Chinese Hanfu attire. Standing beside the Yellow River in her hometown of Lanzhou, the capital of northwest China’s Gansu Province, she joined many others embracing cultural traditions during the festive season.
\”I always wanted to have photos of myself wearing Hanfu. Luckily, I got the opportunity just before the Spring Festival holiday,\” Zhao said, her red Hanfu contrasting beautifully with the winter landscape.
The Yellow River, known as the \”mother river\” of the Chinese nation, runs through Lanzhou, adorned with landmarks such as the century-old Zhongshan Iron Bridge, rolling hills, and ancient temples. This year, the city hosted a vibrant Spring Festival fair along the riverbanks, attracting residents and tourists alike.
The fair, featuring around 150 booths, offered a variety of cultural experiences. One popular booth provided makeup, Hanfu rentals, and professional photography services. \”This Spring Festival, more young people are taking photos and posting them on social media. It’s a great way to tell the story of Lanzhou,\” said Yuan, who operates a local photography studio.
Traditional performances like dragon and lion dances, stilt shows, and drum exhibitions brought the festivities to life. Dong Yujie, 27, livestreamed the parade to a friend abroad. \”The sounds of gongs, drums, and firecrackers bring back childhood memories. They are the flavor of the Spring Festival,\” he shared.
The event gained significant attention online, amassing over 15 million views on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok. Inspired by the online buzz, resident Wang Wei visited the fair with his family. They enjoyed live folk music, sipped local tea by a hot stove, and immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere.
Xu Haifeng, organizer of the folk music performances, emphasized the fair’s role in revitalizing cultural heritage. \”We’ve invited four local folk bands to perform daily. The fair by the Yellow River brings traditional Chinese culture closer to young people,\” Xu noted.
The Lanzhou Spring Festival fair not only celebrated the Lunar New Year but also showcased the city’s rich cultural tapestry, bridging the gap between generations and highlighting the enduring appeal of traditional customs.
Reference(s):
Crowds in NW China celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year by Yellow River
cgtn.com
