As Chinese New Year approaches, Zhangjiagang is gearing up to celebrate with vibrant activities that highlight the charm of local traditions, folk customs, and intangible cultural heritage (ICH).
The festivities kick off on Jan 18 in the ancient Jincun village in Tangqiao town, a village with a history spanning over a thousand years. Here, a grand Chinese New Year celebration will take place, featuring a bustling market of traditional goods, lively dragon and lion dances, and performances of traditional Chinese operas. The event will also offer a delightful array of local culinary treats, providing a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
Jincun village. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]
Throughout January and February, Yangshe Old Street features a variety of activities, including pingtan (storytelling and ballad singing in the Suzhou dialect), flower markets, and music performances. The local ICH food and interactive handicraft markets will also be a major draw. Notably, this year's festivities collaborate with the trending platform Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote), setting up photo-worthy installations that invite attendees to capture and share their memorable moments.
Lion dances on Yangshe Old Street. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]
Cultural events will unfold at various locations, such as the Fenghuang Mountain Scenic Area and the Shazhou Youhuang Cultural Park, starting on Jan 28. These venues will offer traditional performances, food markets, and exhibitions of ICH items.
Additionally, the Zhangjiagang Art Museum, Zhangjiagang Museum, and cultural centers in various towns will feature a range of special exhibitions, making them must-visit destinations for art enthusiasts during the holiday season.