Over 40 international friends from Italy, France, Russia, Kazakhstan and other countries gathered in Fangshan township, Qingtian county, Lishui, Zhejiang province, on Jan 23, lifting the curtain on the 2025 Zhejiang New Year in Hometown celebrations.

Under the warm winter sun and the rhythmic beats of drums, the festive atmosphere proved entrancing to the visitors. A grand stage was set up in the market center, where performances like the Qingtian fish-shaped lantern dance, puppet shows, and Yue Opera captivated the onlookers.

Stalls adorned with red lanterns lined the venue. At some, vendors guided international friends in writing the Chinese character fu that represents fortune and in making paper-cut window decorations. At others, they introduced Qingtian stone carvings, Longquan celadon, and Longquan swords.

An international friend has a go at a Qingtian fish-shaped lantern dance to celebrate Spring Festival. [Photo/Wechat ID: qingtianfabu]

"In light of Spring Festival's recent inclusion on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list, we will carry out intangible cultural heritage performances and traditional cultural experiences, with a special focus on agricultural and intangible heritage experiences," said an official from Qingtian's publicity department.

Fangshan township is the birthplace of the Qingtian rice-fish symbiotic cultivation method, rated as a globally important agricultural heritage system. As part of the fun, international friends experienced the joy of catching fish in an experience area.

"Since 2018, Qingtian has hosted the Zhejiang New Year in Hometown  seven times, inviting over 1,800 international friends and overseas Chinese to celebrate Chinese New Year together," the official said.

Overseas celebrations were equally vibrant, with overseas Chinese in 83 cities across 23 countries – including Italy, Spain and France – organizing various Spring Festival-themed activities.