Celebrating Spring Festival

ON THE first day of the Chinese New Year, the festive atmosphere in central Beijing rises to a new pitch.

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PEOPLE view a horse-themed light installation at the Shishan Culture Square in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province.

(Xinhua)

This is when a familiar scene unfolds in the Longfusi Commercial Area, where red lanterns sway above a bustling New Year fair and vendors call out to passersby as the scent of festive treats lingers in the air.

Dating back nearly 600 years, Longfusi is a Beijing cultural landmark once known for hosting one of the city’s most important temple fairs. After urban renewal, it has reemerged as a Spring Festival draw, with families stocking up on New Year goods and revisiting traditions linked to old Beijing.

It was this spot that President Xi Jinping visited on February 10, as residents began the final week of traditional preparations for the Spring Festival.

Craft stalls showcased traditional paper cuttings, clay figurines and other handmade items, adding to the festival vibes. Strolling through the holiday market, Xi paused to look over local specialties, chatted with stall owners about business, and exchanged greetings with them.