As the Year of the Horse gallops into 2026, Zhoushan, a picturesque archipelago in Zhejiang province, is drawing global travelers seeking an authentic coastal Spring Festival experience. With its fusion of maritime traditions and Lunar New Year festivities, the city has become a magnet for visitors eager to explore China’s cultural richness beyond urban centers.
From dockside fish auctions at dawn to family-style seafood feasts featuring freshly caught crab and sea snails, Zhoushan’s celebrations highlight the symbiotic relationship between local life and the East China Sea. International tourists now join residents in age-old customs like crafting seaweed-based delicacies and decorating fishing vessels with red lanterns—a practice believed to ensure safe voyages and abundant catches.
"The rhythm here during Spring Festival mirrors the tides—both relentless and beautiful," remarked Singaporean traveler Rajesh Kumar, who participated in a community net-mending workshop. "Learning to sort crabs with third-generation fishers gave me new appreciation for China’s coastal heritage."
Tourism authorities report a 40% increase in international visitors compared to pre-pandemic levels, with curated homestay programs allowing guests to cook traditional reunion dinners alongside local families. The trend aligns with China’s broader push to showcase regional cultural diversity through sustainable tourism initiatives.
