The 2024 New Year Cultural and Tourism Fair held in Taicang, Suzhou, Jiangsu province, concluded on Jan 29 after a vibrant three-day run.

During the event, approximately 12,000 citizens and tourists gathered in South Garden to explore the Chinese New Year market, enjoy traditional performances, savor festive cuisine, and participate in interactive games.

Featuring over 30 distinctive booths, the cultural and tourism fair included a variety of categories such as specialty foods, seasonal agricultural products, handmade crafts, and intangible cultural heritage. The layout, situated within the garden, allowed visitors to simultaneously stroll through the market while appreciating the scenic beauty of South Garden, attracting a continuous stream of customers to the bustling stalls.

One major highlight of the fair was the diverse array of captivating performances. From the familiar local phoenix and lion dance to the Sichuan face-changing artistry, and the culturally rich Kunqu Opera and Pingtan storytelling, attendees were treated to a colorful and entertaining artistic cultural feast.

The fair also utilized a combination of offline activities and live online streaming. The live broadcasts were enthusiastically received, with a cumulative viewership reaching 100,000 and over 100,000 likes.

Throughout the event, 1,500 cultural and tourism vouchers were distributed through Taicang's official WeChat mini-program, achieving an on-site redemption rate of 70 percent.

The issuance of the consumption vouchers reflects the proactive efforts of the city to implement practical initiatives for the Spring Festival, with plans for two more rounds of cultural and tourism product vouchers on Feb 2 and Feb 23.

Attendees gather in South Garden to take part in the fair. [Photo/WeChat account: TaicangTourism]