2023 Chinese New Year Lantern Festival walk

Around the Yu Garden in ShangHai ...

[640],shadow=true,start=,stop=Chinese New Year (CNY), also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China, marking the beginning of the lunar new year. It is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world, as well as in other East Asian countries such as Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia. Here's an overview of Chinese New Year and its traditions:

Timing and Duration:
Lunar Calendar: Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, with the date falling between late January and mid-February each year. The exact date varies because it is based on the lunar phases.

Festival Period: The celebrations typically last for 15 days, beginning on the eve of Chinese New Year and ending with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar calendar.

Traditions and Customs:
Family Reunions: Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together and celebrate. Many people travel long distances to reunite with their relatives, leading to the largest annual human migration in the world, known as Chunyun.

Cleaning and Decoration: In the days leading up to Chinese New Year, families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune. They also decorate their homes with red lanterns, couplets (duilian), and paper cutouts featuring auspicious symbols.

Chinese New Year's Eve Dinner: The New Year's Eve dinner, known as 'reunion dinner' (??? tuánniánfàn), is a lavish feast shared with family members. Traditional dishes include fish (symbolizing prosperity), dumplings (symbolizing wealth), and various other symbolic foods.

Red Envelopes (Hongbao): Red envelopes containing money are given as gifts during Chinese New Year, especially to children and unmarried individuals. The red color symbolizes good luck and wards off evil spirits.

Fireworks and Firecrackers: Fireworks and firecrackers are set off at midnight on New Year's Eve and throughout the festival period to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.

Lion and Dragon Dances: Colorful lion and dragon dances are performed in streets, parks, and public squares to bring prosperity and good fortune to communities.

Zodiac Animals:
Each Year is Associated with an Animal: Chinese New Year is symbolized by one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac cycle. Each animal is believed to influence the personality traits and destiny of individuals born in that year.

Travel and Celebrations:
Spring Festival Gala: The Spring Festival Gala, broadcasted on Chinese television on New Year's Eve, features a variety of performances, skits, and musical acts. It is one of the most-watched television programs in the world.

Temple Fairs: Traditional temple fairs are held throughout China during Chinese New Year, offering food stalls, performances, games, and cultural activities for visitors to enjoy.

Chinese New Year is a time of joy, reunion, and renewal, filled with rich traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. It is a celebration of family, community, and the arrival of spring, marking a fresh beginning and the promise of prosperity in the year ahead.

The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao Festival or Shangyuan Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunar calendar, marking the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Here's some information about this colorful and joyous festival:

History and Origins:
Ancient Roots: The origins of the Lantern Festival can be traced back over 2,000 years to the Western Han Dynasty. It has evolved over time, incorporating elements from various cultural and religious traditions.

Taoist and Buddhist Influences: Initially, the festival had Taoist roots, with people making offerings to Taiyi, the god of heaven, to pray for good fortune and avert disasters. Later, during the Tang Dynasty, it also became associated with Buddhism, as monks would light lanterns to worship the Buddha.

Customs and Traditions:
Lantern Displays: The most iconic feature of the Lantern Festival is the elaborate lantern displays. These lanterns come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, often depicting animals, flowers, mythical creatures, and scenes from Chinese folklore.

Guessing Lantern Riddles: Another popular tradition is guessing lantern riddles (???, c?i d?ngmí). Riddles are written on strips of paper and attached to the lanterns. Visitors try to solve the riddles, adding an element of intellectual challenge and fun to the festivities.

Eating Yuanxiao: Yuanxiao (??), also known as tangyuan (??), are sweet glutinous rice dumplings stuffed with fillings like sesame paste, sweet bean paste, or peanuts. Eating yuanxiao symbolizes family unity and prosperity.

Dragon and Lion Dances: In some regions, dragon and lion dances are performed during the Lantern Festival, accompanied by drums, cymbals, and firecrackers. These lively performances are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

Modern Celebrations:
Lantern Festivals: Throughout China and in Chinese communities worldwide, Lantern Festivals are held with grand lantern displays, cultural performances, and festive activities.

Tourist Attractions: Many tourist attractions host special Lantern Festival events, featuring intricate lantern installations, performances, and culinary delights.

Family Gatherings: Like other major Chinese festivals, the Lantern Festival is a time for families to come together, share meals, and enjoy each other's company.

Innovation and Modernization: While traditional customs are still observed, the Lantern Festival has also evolved with modern technology, incorporating LED lights, laser shows, and multimedia displays into the celebrations.

Overall, the Chinese Lantern Festival is a vibrant and symbolic celebration that brings communities together to welcome the new year with light, joy, and hope for the future.

Shanghai is one of China's most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities, blending a rich history with modern skyscrapers and vibrant culture. Here's what you need to know as a tourist visiting Shanghai:

Historical and Cultural Landmarks:
The Bund: This iconic waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River features colonial-era buildings on one side and futuristic skyscrapers on the other, offering stunning views of Shanghai's skyline.

Yu Garden: Dating back to the Ming dynasty, Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. The nearby Yu Garden Bazaar is a great place to shop for souvenirs and traditional crafts.

Shanghai Museum: Home to an extensive collection of Chinese art and artifacts, including bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy, the Shanghai Museum is a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts.

Jing'an Temple: One of Shanghai's most famous Buddhist temples, Jing'an Temple is known for its beautiful architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and towering golden Buddha statue.

Modern Attractions:
Shanghai Tower: Ascend to the observation deck of this iconic skyscraper, the tallest in China and the second-tallest in the world, for panoramic views of the city.

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower: Another iconic landmark, this futuristic tower offers observation decks, a glass-bottomed skywalk, and a revolving restaurant.

Shanghai Disneyland: Located in the Pudong district, Shanghai Disneyland offers a magical experience for visitors of all ages with its themed lands, attractions, and entertainment.

Shopping and Entertainment:
Nanjing Road: One of the world's busiest shopping streets, Nanjing Road is lined with department stores, boutiques, and restaurants. Don't miss the nearby pedestrian-friendly Nanjing Road East, known for its lively atmosphere and street performers.

Xintiandi: This upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment district features a mix of traditional Shikumen-style buildings and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

French Concession: Explore this historic neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, charming cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.

Culinary Delights:
Shanghai Cuisine: Sample local specialties such as xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried dumplings), and Shanghai-style noodles.

Street Food: Wander through the city's bustling food markets and snack streets to taste a variety of street foods, from savory pancakes to grilled skewers.

Practical Tips:
Transportation: Shanghai has an efficient public transportation system, including the subway, buses, and taxis. Consider purchasing a rechargeable transportation card for convenience.

Language: While Mandarin is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.

Weather: Shanghai experiences four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and chilly winters. The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable.

Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, such as using polite language and avoiding loud behavior in public places.

Shanghai offers a captivating blend of old and new, with its historic landmarks, modern skyscrapers, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, shopping, or dining, Shanghai has something to offer every type of visitor.

Related Videos

 

Featured Videos

The enduring Silk Road
The enduring Silk Road
A documentary series by RT. Text by RT. The Ancient Silk Road was a trade route that began in China in the 2nd century BC and, for more than 1700 years, linked Europe and Asia. As well as goods, it facilitated a cultural exchange between the continents, knowledge, religion, art, philosophy and tradition all passed back and forth between distant nations. Modern China now has the strongest economy in Asia and is a major world power. This series examines the enduring influence of the Silk Road in making the nation what it is today and how its legacy still thrives in China. PART ONE From the 2nd century BC onwards, the great Silk Road was a vital trade route that provided a link between Eurasian countries. It began during China’s Han dynasty and eventually stretched all the way to Rome. Throughout its 17 centuries of existence, it played a crucial role in enabling cultural interaction between nations and peoples all over the continents. As well as establishing economic ties, it also facilitated the exchange between countries of knowledge, religious practice, architectural styles, art, philosophy and traditions. Modern Chinese culture has been heavily influenced by centuries of trade with neighbouring countries. Today, there are still sites in China that preserve the history of the Silk Road and the country’s role in it. Tang West Market Museum in the city of Xi'an marks the ancient starting point of the Silk Road and displays relics unearthed from what used to be a major centre for international trade. The Silk Route Museum in the city of Jiuquan celebrates the first ever customs checkpoint in history. This city served as an outpost on China’s border with unforgiving and perilous nomadic lands. Meanwhile, a network of grottos called the Mogao Caves bears witness to Buddhism arriving and thriving in China. Today, China remains true to the well-established tradition of cultural exchange with its neighbours. 2016-2017 are dedicated to furthering Russo-Chinese relations and bilateral media ties. The history of collaboration between the two countries dates back as far as 400 years, when religious missionaries crossed the borders to introduce the other side to their homeland’s rich cultural practices. PART TWO China is developing a unique blend of socialism and capitalism. The state-owned sector dominates but there has been a sudden surge in privately owned businesses operating in a new market economy. The two systems coexist in apparent harmony despite the seemingly contradictory ideologies of capitalism and communism. Private businesses began to appear after the country’s economic reforms of the late 1970s, ushered in by then premier, Deng Xiaoping. The emergence of private entrepreneurship led to rapid economic development for China. The country is still among the world’s fastest growing economies and is often the first to tap into new markets. To further expand its regional economic influence, China has launched a programme to revive the famous old Silk Road. They are confident that the route will develop new international markets and forge new business alliances. The multifaceted programme involves improving road infrastructure and modernising key cities along the ancient Silk trading route. They are also creating more favourable conditions for business with incentives like company tax breaks and duty-free towns near the borders with neighbouring countries. The project has been dubbed the ‘One Belt, One Road initiative’, and involves cooperation with more than 60, mostly neighbouring countries, with Russia among the major partners. RTD examines examples of Sino-Russian cooperation carried out under the ‘One Belt, One Road’ umbrella, including large-scale government projects and private trade deals with Russian customers. PART THREE - The Ancient Silk Road was a major trade route that linked Europe and Asia between the 2nd century BC and the late 16th AD. - Modern China is a rapidly growing economy. “One Belt, One Road†is an initiative to revive the Silk Road to help the country play a bigger role in global affairs. - Ancient towns that were once key outposts on the Silk Road are undergoing rapid growth both economically and in infrastructure as they are to reprise their roles as major trading waypoints along the route - Citizens now enjoy new business opportunities and contribute further to developing their cities In its heyday, the ancient Silk Road was Eurasia’s most important trade route, connecting two rich continents to facilitate trade and cultural exchange. Modern-day China has seen near constant economic growth. It boasts of several record figures, including the highest number of skyscrapers and the longest railroads. Five years ago, the government announced a new plan, “One Belt, One Roadâ€, an initiative to revive the Silk Road. The strategy seeks to help China play a bigger role in global affairs through developing an infrastructure that will unite the countries of the two continents under a cohesive economic area. Many ancient Chinese cities that were once outposts along the Silk Road, desert oases or transport hubs are now rapidly transforming themselves into megacities, so that they can, once again, service and profit from the trade route. New businesses are opening, facilitated by the development of a reliable transport system, which in turn brings greater tourist flow. Some cities are also grated the status of special economic area, offering attractive tax incentives to foreign investors. We visit two very different cities; Lanchjou and Urumchi, united by the Silk Road’s history. Both are experiencing rapid development. We meet businessmen who tell us how it feels to watch their home towns transform into economically and politically significant conurbations and how it inspires them to aim for international markets and seek new outlets for their businesses to grow.
A visual guide to QuanZhou 泉州, FuJian province
A visual guide to QuanZhou 泉州, FuJian province
QuanZhou was once one of China's major ports for foreign traders. It was visited by Marco Polo who praised it as one of the most prosperous and glorious cities in the world. As its harbor is not suitable for larger ships, its significance as a port has reduced but retains abundant cultural heritage.
Mega Machines – China’s infrastructure building capabilities
Mega Machines – China’s infrastructure building capabilities
Breakaway – by the Double Angels; music video
Breakaway – by the Double Angels; music video
From the TV new music talent show Sing!China. ã€çº¯äº«ç‰ˆã€‘æ‰“åŒ…å®‰çª ã€Šå°¼å¤æ‹‰æ–¯ç‹‚想曲》好声音20180907第八期 Sing!China官方HD Then that double happiness - that sublime mix of yin and yang - became one * ... * Internet hate led to the other withdrawing from the show. So sad. But she's young. The takeaway - don't ever let that be you. No matter how meek one tries to be, hate is always there. So realise that it is really nothing, just air; not even a breeze. One life; one chance to be you. Valiant effort by the remaining girl to maintain an experimental vibe. Kudos.
Happy in Beijing 北京 : )( :
Happy in Beijing 北京 : )( :
Family and friends from the Philippines on a trip to Beijing ...
East Lake 东湖, ShaoXing ç»å…´, ZheJiang province
East Lake 东湖, ShaoXing ç»å…´, ZheJiang province
ShàoXīng is a water-town not far from HangZhou. The East Lake is situated six kilometers (four miles) to the east of the historic ShaoXing city. The exquisite crescent-shaped lake is hemmed in by a hill formed of bluestone, a material widely used in building houses, bridges and roads. Stoneworkers have quarried from this hill since the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) and over time the hill became hollowed out, leaving only steep cliffs, a deep pool and a number of grottoes. During the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911 AD), the lake was beautified with diverse bridges, pavilions and willow trees. Bonus film - peach tree orchard in ShaoXing ...
ShangHai CBD night walk
ShangHai CBD night walk
With Wei's Travel ...
The Great Wall of China at night – JuYongGuan, BeiJing
The Great Wall of China at night – JuYongGuan, BeiJing
Awesome DaLi, YunNan province – timeless charm
Awesome DaLi, YunNan province – timeless charm
With Feeding Foca ... "The mountains are high, and the emperor is far away."

Tag search ?