As the New Year approaches, Huangling Ancient Village adorns itself in new attire, eagerly awaiting visitors from all directions to celebrate the joyous occasion together.

Walking on the cobblestone paths within the scenic area and inhaling the fresh scent of the upcoming spring, you’ll realize that the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year lies in the small details that are scattered everywhere.

Folk Celebrations: Embracing Traditional Huizhou Customs

For the locals of Huangling, various distinctive folk activities are the liveliest way to kickstart the Spring Festival.

Inherit the customs of the old house

Every shop and hotel in the scenic spot has hung up Spring Festival couplets and pasted the characters "Fu" early on. During the Spring Festival, these handwritten blessings and couplets will be gifted to visitors, spreading New Year’s wishes to all.

During the Huangling Folk Culture Festival, there is a unique folk market filled with an array of creative products and antique treasures. There, you can find various booths, offering traditional games like walking on stilts, spinning tops, and hoop rolling, providing an opportunity to relive your childhood joys.

Classic Folk Custom for Celebrating the New Year

From the 30th day of the lunar year to the 7th day of the first lunar month, there is a seven-day carnival during the Spring Festival, from the celebration of the Little New Year to the Lantern Festival, rekindling the festive atmosphere.

Various folk activities full of Jiangnan charm, such as lion dances, street face-changing performances, ancient colored magic tricks, and intangible cultural heritage dragon lantern parades, are presented in a dazzling manner, leaving people with endless memories and a unique taste of the New Year that belongs to each individual.

Gathering with family to enjoy New Year’s Eve dinner is the happiest culinary delight.

Folk Snacks, Unforgettable Culinary Delights

The dazzling array of New Year’s goods and delicacies is overwhelming. Wuguitang and Yixinlou offer various traditional snacks made on-site, allowing visitors to experience the fun of making food themselves.

As the New Year approaches, every household in Huangling will be busy making delicious ‘Ma Ci’ (rice cakes). In the kitchen, you’ll see scenes of “shaiqiu ladies” cooking the cakes over an open fire in the inner room while the hall displays a large stone mortar, a unique sight only found in the village.

Bountiful Feasts for Reunion

Food is an essential part of travel. When you first arrive in Huangling, you can go to Tianjie Restaurant to taste local specialty and gather with family and friends for a happy New Year’s Eve. After the reunion feast, people watch the fireworks and lights and promise good wishes for the next year.

Eating together as a family is a significant part of Chinese New Year celebrations. From the very beginning, Huangling has had the tradition of hosting ‘Ma Ci Yan’ (rice cake banquets). During this time, long tables are set up along Tian Street, stretching like a dragon, where people from all over the world gather to share a meal.

Exploring the Winter Scenery and Unveiling Ancient Huizhou Charm

In the winter season, Huangling Village comes alive with activities. The villagers sun-dry their fish and cured meats, dry chili peppers, and cook ‘Ma Ci’ cakes. The village is filled with warmth, creating a unique New Year atmosphere.

Unlike the snowy winters in northern China, the snowfall in Jiangnan is delicate and shy. It clings to the gray tiles and black eaves, blending with the picturesque scenery of Jiangnan, making it a fascinating sight.

As the weather gradually warms up, plum blossoms in Huangling start to bloom, creating a lovely view. In February, the plum blossoms will be in full bloom, resembling snowflakes and exuding a faint fragrance.

Relaxing with Hot Springs and Comfortable Accommodations

The prelude to the Chinese New Year has begun. In Chinese tradition, taking a bath on New Year’s Eve brings blessings for the coming year. ‘Xin Chun Cuo Cuo Bei, Tu Nian Lai Hong Yun’ means ‘New Year’s Eve bath, bringing good fortune in the Year of the Rabbit.

Celebrating the Lunar New Year by soaking in hot springs in Huangling is one of the most comfortable and enjoyable ways to relax. It helps you shed the fatigue of the past year, welcoming the new year with a refreshed spirit.

During this season, Huangling’s accommodations offer great value for money, and the scenic area has multiple discounts. For those who couldn’t secure a booking during the busy spring and autumn seasons, now is your chance to plan your trip!