The first Winter Solstice Folk Culture Carnival was held at the Jiufeng Mountain Station in Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone (Optics Valley of China, or OVC) on Dec 21. The event aimed to celebrate traditional customs by integrating cultural experiences into community life, bringing newfound vitality to traditional festivals.

Dancers perform on the stage. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

The festivities kicked off with the main stage set against the backdrop of the suspended monorail on Guanggu Fourth Road, creating a futuristic atmosphere. The event featured a diverse lineup of performances, including drum dances, Hubei folk songs, acrobatics, and hand gesture dances, blending modern and traditional elements that captivated the audience.

The folk food experience area was bustling with activity. In the "Taste of Winter Solstice" section, residents watched demonstrations of traditional crafts like pounding ciba (a kind of glutinous rice cake) and participated in hands-on activities such as dumpling making and tangyuan rolling.

Residents experience the hands-on food making. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

A special "Jiufeng Folk Interaction Zone" was set up, where a cultural corridor detailed the history and folklore of Jiufeng, highlighting its geographical features and cultural evolution. Traditional items like stone mills and clay molds piqued the curiosity of many visitors.

Interactive activities, such as paper-cutting and creating "Fu" character rubbings, also saw strong participation. Many residents of Jiufeng Street communities said that the events, rich in tradition and community spirit, brought them a sense of joy and warmth.

A visitor shows a "Fu" character rubbing. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]