Giant Spring Festival scrolls are hung on the century-old Bell Tower in Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Every Chinese New Year, the century-old Bell Tower in Nantong gets a new look with giant Spring Festival scrolls hanging. On Jan 20, as the red silk slowly descended, the magnificent 12-meter giant couplets on the Bell Tower were unveiled.

Created by Hong Shankuan, vice-president of the Qidong Couplets Association, and written by Liu Canming, vice-chairman of the Jiangsu Calligraphers Association, this couplet seamlessly integrates regional characteristics and urban spirit. The bold and vigorous strokes fully showcase the unique charm and vitality of Nantong's Jianghai Culture.

International friends pose for a photo in front of the Bell Tower. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The eight-year tradition of hanging Spring Festival scrolls has become a new folk custom during the Chinese New Year in Nantong, which also includes on-site displays of sugar painting, tiger-head shoes, and other intangible cultural heritage items.

The strong festive atmosphere also allows international friends living in Nantong to experience the joyous ambiance of the Chinese New Year. "I'm thrilled today, and I like Nantong. This year, I will celebrate the Chinese New Year with my Chinese friends!" said Ilya Batalova, who hails from Russia.

This year marks the first Chinese New Year after the Spring Festival was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.