The cooks prepare Niuwazi Rice on the spot. [Photo/Gansu Daily]

The Shandan Winter Solstice Folk Culture Event kicked off in Shandan county, Zhangye, Gansu province on Dec 21. Centered around Niuwazi Rice — a local dish made with rice, meat, and seasonal vegetables — the celebration combined ritual blessings, folk performances, and craft demonstrations, spreading warmth and community spirit amid rising steam and smoke, and adding a strong festive atmosphere to Shandan's winter.

A hundred cooks and volunteers worked together to prepare the traditional local dish, Niuwazi Rice. Eight large pots and 80 smaller ones were arranged in rows, cooking fires glowing and rich aromas filling the air. The scene drew crowds of villagers and tourists who lined up eagerly for a taste. A bowl of the steaming dish brought instant warmth and satisfaction, visible in the smiles on every face — a food that carries Shandan's memory.

Local Yangko dance performance at Shandan Winter Solstice Folk Culture Event. [Photo/Gansu Daily]

The event also featured exhibitions of intangible folk heritage, showcasing traditional crafts such as Shandan pyrography, wheat-straw art, and paper-cutting. Local snacks like rice rolls and bean jelly were available at the food market. Authentic performances, including the local Yangko dance and Shandan folk songs, took turns on stage, adding energy to the winter village.

The entire event was live-streamed, allowing audiences from afar to join virtually and share in this Winter Solstice cultural feast.

By bringing together thousands to enjoy intangible heritage dishes and experience folk culture firsthand, the event has innovated winter-spring cultural tourism offerings, continuously elevated the provincial intangible heritage brand of "Shandan Winter Solstice", and helped transform cultural heritage resources into new drivers for tourism consumption.