As the Spring Festival draws near, the festive atmosphere permeates the streets and alleys of Hefei. Red lanterns are hung, couplets are displayed, and intangible cultural heritage skills intertwine with folk parades, weaving a vibrant Lunar New Year tableau. From the dazzling fish lanterns in Sanhe Ancient Town to the glowing decorations along the city's main thoroughfares, a colorful Lunar New Year prelude is being performed across Hefei.

In Hefei, the festive spirit always arrives first at the Chenghuangmiao.

Couplets, red lanterns, and various decorations symbolizing the auspicious meanings of the Year of the Horse have been put on display, creating a sea of red throughout the Chenghuangmiao's streets and alleys, with a continuous stream of citizens coming to purchase Lunar New Year goods.

Recently, the Spring Festival Fair at the Chenghuangmiao also kicked off. Dragon dance teams twisted and soared, cloth horse dances were light and graceful, and waist drum rhythms were lively and vigorous... Folk performers walked through the ancient streets and alleys, presenting citizens and tourists with a spectacular and colorful roving folk exhibition. Intangible cultural heritage projects such as Luyang paper-cutting, Luzhou dough figurines, Luyang Yin's calligraphy and painting, Luzhou woodblock watermark printing, Luyang sugar painting, Luyang printed cloth, and Liu Hongsheng's specialty snacks were showcased together, presenting a Hefei Spring Festival that is vibrant, colorful, and flavorful. 

In Sanhe Ancient Town, lanterns adorn the quaint, historic streets, while exquisite fish lanterns line the Quezhu Corridor Bridge, creating a fresh Lunar New Year tableau. As night falls, a lively fish-lantern parade lights up the sky over Sanhe, igniting the romantic atmosphere of the Lunar new year. During the Spring Festival, Sanhe Ancient Town will also host a "Thousand-Lantern Parade," offering an immersive cultural tourism experience. 

The festive spirit spreads from neighborhoods and scenic spots to every street and alley. Hefei's streets are dressed in red, welcoming an auspicious year with vibrant new attire.

The Spring Festival travel rush is now in full swing, with streams of people returning home. Hefei Railway Station is filled with a joyous and peaceful holiday atmosphere. To enhance the city's gateway and warm the journey home, the Hefei Railway Station Comprehensive Management Office has created immersive Lunar New Year landscapes in key areas of the station, allowing travelers to feel the rich festive spirit with every step.

Hefei's festive atmosphere is not only visible in its red decorations but also flows through the living heritage of intangible cultural skills and shines in every lantern lit for those returning home. The joyful spirit spreads from the streets into homes, weaving together a Chinese New Year filled with good fortune and happiness.

Source: Hefei Evening News