Celebrate a Meaningful Spring Festival in Zhouzhuang

As the new year of the Loong begins, everything takes on an entirely new look.

During the Spring Festival of the Year of the Loong, Zhouzhuang Ancient Town comes alive with a lively and joyful atmosphere. Tourists gather here to celebrate the new year.

A New Year Starts with Spotlight

Frequent Coverage of Zhouzhuang’s Traditional Folk Customs

 On the first day of the Chinese New Year, the special program “Splendid Chinese New Year” was broadcast on various channels, including CCTV-1, CCTV-4, and CCTV-13, as well as the CCTV app. Zhouzhuang was frequently featured in news reports, live broadcasts, and other forms of coverage. 

On the fifth day of the Chinese New Year, the “Zhou Dao Live” program took a single shot into Zhouzhuang. Folk culture expert Mr. Chen Yi and the host visited the Residence of the God of Wealth, where numerous "Loong" fortune paintings were on display again. 

The special activities to welcome the God of Wealth on the fifth day of the Chinese New Year brought a vibrant festive atmosphere to this ancient town. On this special day, new media outlets such as Suzhou Traffic Radio and Kunshan Convergence Media (WeChat Channels) also sent their blessings of good fortune and wealth to the audience. 

During the Spring Festival, Zhouzhuang received extensive coverage from national, provincial, and municipal media, including Xinhua News Agency, China News Service, and china.com.cn. All of these media outlets aim to convey the festive spirit of this water town during the holiday.

 International friends also joined us in celebrating the Chinese New Year in Zhouzhuang. Robert, a Dutch friend, said, “I celebrated the Chinese New Year in Kunshan!”

A New Year Starts with a Bustling Vibe

Immerse in a Festive Atmosphere in the Water Town

The Spring Festival celebrations in Zhouzhuang prominently showcased elements of the Jiangnan region, including rich traditions, unique culture, intangible cultural heritage, and classic folk customs. Centered around themes of cuisine and prosperity, approximately one hundred cultural tourism activities were held throughout this ancient town.

“Boat tours and beating the spring cattle are so lively,” said Mr. Wu from Shandong, who was thrilled to take part in a free-of-charge boat tour for those born in the Year of the Loong and to receive a Loong-themed red envelope. 

From beating the spring cattle at the ancient archway to welcoming the God of Wealth at the Residence of the God of Wealth, from boat tours through water alleys to Lianxiang dance in the old street, and from traditional Loong and lion dances to creative stilt walking, all these activities convey the essence of good fortune in the Year of the Loong. 

The glamorous night scenes, such as the light show “Best Memories of Nanhu,” revealed a captivating side of this ancient town. 

Tourists took photos or went on boat tours, creating memorable experiences together.

A New Year Starts with China Chic

A New Look of Prosperity in Zhouzhuang

Enjoy shopping from Zhouzhuang Tourist Parking Lot to Quanfu South Road. 

Here, you will experience the dazzling array of Spring Festival goods, including ocarinas, walnut carvings, Fanhua handmade artifacts, and Xiangcun New Year items.

In addition, Zhouzhuang takes on a new look of prosperity in the Jiangnan region. 

Brands of creative cultural products, China chic products, and intangible cultural heritage items, such as Xiuniang Silk, Zhouli, Jiangnanzan, and Zhengshifu, have also made their way into this ancient town. They were all featured in the TV program “Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Chinese Goods”. 

Tourists can also experience Jiangnan culture in new ways in streets that have undergone “micro-regeneration”, allowing them to explore new Chinese New Year traditions. 

A New Year Starts with Perseverance

Feel the Warm Hospitality of Zhouzhuang

A steadfast dedication to their roles is a lasting trait of tourism workers in Zhouzhuang.

“I can’t remember how many questions I have received over the phone. I just keep answering the phone all the time”, said Wang Lanying, a worker at the tourist center, with a smile on her face. “We always keep in mind the importance of being hospitable and welcoming to everyone.” 

The commitment of Zhouzhuang’s tourism workers is evident in countless details, leaving tourists with unforgettable memories in the new year.

As the Spring Festival draws to an end, it’s still a great time to visit Zhouzhuang. Until the 16th day of the Chinese New Year (February 25), tourists born in the Year of the Loong have free admission to this ancient town. Come and have a wonderful time in Zhouzhuang during the Lantern Festival!