A fish lantern-themed dance is performed in Huizhou Ancient City on Dec 19. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A press conference was held in Huizhou Ancient City, Shexian county, Huangshan, Anhui province, on Dec 19, introducing a rich series of cultural and tourism activities meticulously prepared for the upcoming New Year's Day and Spring Festival holidays.
The event commenced with a Huizhou-style welcoming ceremony and a cultural performance. According to the conference, the offerings will last from the year-end of 2025 through the following Lantern Festival, covering folk celebrations, intangible cultural heritage experiences, food tasting, art exhibitions, and rural leisure, presenting visitors with a multi-dimensional and authentic Huizhou New Year experience.
During the New Year's Day holiday, Huizhou Ancient City will host a range of ICH folk parades. The event will also highlight a Huizhou cuisine promotion event, offering visitors an immersive taste of the region's culinary traditions. Meanwhile, Zhanqi village will host fish lantern parades and hands-on craft experiences, showcasing its authentic folk traditions.
The scene of the Zhanqi village fish lantern parade. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
During the Spring Festival period, Shexian county will present a diverse lineup of activities centered on traditional folk culture. The 19th Huizhou Ancient City Folk Culture Festival will feature ICH street parades and folk performances, complemented by interactive workshops and local cuisine experiences.
From innovative fish lantern creations to a full calendar of events across both urban and rural areas, Shexian county is welcoming the New Year's Day and Spring Festival with a vibrant cultural tourism program that brings tradition vividly to life.
An aerial view of Huizhou Ancient City. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]