A series of culture and tourism activities to mark the upcoming Spring Festival will be held across the downtown area of Yueyang City. From the ancient whispers of Yueyang Tower to the enchanting fairy tales of Junshan Island, from the bustling energy on Dongting South Road to the profound cultural heritage within the Dongting Lake Museum, a journey of blessing awaits, rich in both tradition and contemporary life.
The activities in Yueyang Tower Scenic Area will be launched on February 10. A number of New Year-themed photogenic spots will be set up along the route from the North Gate to the Yueyang Gate. The Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall will present handwritten Chinese character "福 (blessings)" to visitors on February 11, traditional Chinese Xiaonian festival, which marks the start of the countdown to Chinese Lunar New Year.
Various cultural creative souvenirs will be provided, such as limited-edition seal themed the Year of the Horse, "Climbing Yueyang Tower for Blessings" serial cultural products, wooden fridge magnets, and cultural poker, giving visitors a touchable memory. Around the tower, visitors may interact with historical figures like Fan Zhongyan and Li Bai (impersonated by performers) and receive special gifts from them.
A blessing-seeking tour is to start on Junshan Island from February 7, lasting until the Lantern Festival on March 3. Calligraphers will write spring couplets on the site. Visitors may collect blessing-themed seals on their way. A grand ceremony to pray for blessings will be held at the Dongting Temple, along with various fun activities such as guessing lantern riddles and tasting sweet dumplings.
Since February 19, a fun fair will open on Dongting South Road, consisting of a traditional bazaar and gourmet food stalls. Interactive games, art performances, and themed parades will be organized, enabling the participators to win New Year gifts and immerse in a Yueyang-style festive atmosphere.
The Dongting Lake Museum will launch a "Knowledge-rich New Year". During two periods—from February 12 to 16 and from February 19 to 23— three special installations will be set up where visitors can take photos and offer prayers for blessings. Various intangible cultural heritage experience activities, and folk music shows on February 18, 19, and 21, will create a fun festival.
From February 1 to March 3, the seven-a-side football ground at Yueyang Port Industrial Heritage Park will open its doors by reservation to individuals, families, and groups.
This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.
Translator: Pang Yuehui
Chinese source: hunantoday
