A festive journey through southern Anhui’s ancient towns

TONGLIN, February 6, 2025 (WSH) — From the seventh to the eighth day of the first lunar month in 2025, this reporter embarked on a journey through Yongquan Town, Liqiao Water Town, and Datong Ancient Town in Anhui province, experiencing the rich traditions of Chinese New Year in Jiangnan’s historic landscapes.

From hot springs and lantern-lit alleys to timeworn merchant streets, this was more than just a scenic tour—it was an immersion into festive heritage, where the warmth of nostalgia and tradition blended seamlessly.

Yongquan Town: A Spring Festival in Healing Waters

Nestled in eastern Tongling City, Yongquan Town is famed for its hot springs and cultural heritage. As this reporter wandered through “Twelve Scenic Spots of Jiangnan Memories,” ancient architecture harmonized with nature, evoking the region’s poetic beauty. At “Jinggong Academy,” the calligraphy of “Jing Si” (Quiet Reflection) reminded this reporter of Wang Anshi, the Northern Song scholar who once studied here.

During the Spring Festival, red lanterns and couplets adorned the town, adding vibrant contrast to the winter landscape. Jiubao Hot Springs became a popular retreat, where this reporter enjoyed a rejuvenating afternoon soak. The rising mist, cheerful chatter, and soothing warmth turned this moment into more than relaxation—it became a ritual to welcome the new year with renewal and hope.

As night fell, Jiangnan Flavors Snack Street came alive with sizzling aromas. Vendors enthusiastically served Tonglin White Ginger Candy, Osmanthus Cake, Glutinous Rice Dumplings, and Longevity Noodles, their lively greetings blending with the essence of holiday cheer. Holding a steaming bowl of Red Sugar Glutinous Rice Cakes, I savored the sweetness, deepening the flavor of the New Year.

Liqiao Water Town: Lantern-Lit Traditions

Arriving at Liqiao Water Town on the eighth day of the first lunar month, this reporter was instantly immersed in its grand New Year celebrations. Lanterns glowed along the riverbanks, while boats drifted through misty waterways, their reflections resembling a flowing fire dragon—a mesmerizing sight.

Dazzling Iron Fireworks Show

The highlight was the Iron Fireworks Show. As dusk fell, craftsmen hurled molten iron into the night sky, creating a breathtaking burst of golden sparks, resembling shooting stars. The crowd cheered, and this reporter found himself entranced by this dazzling folk tradition.

Folk Markets and Cultural Festivities

A heritage market showcased bronze rubbings and traditional crafts, offering visitors a glimpse into intangible cultural heritage. Dragon and lion dances, paired with fireworks and iron flower displays, lit up the town with jubilant energy.

Liqiao’s New Year festivities attracted 144,000 visitors, a 36.5% increase from the previous year. Xinhua News Agency featured Tanzanian students experiencing the festival, and CCTV broadcasted live reports, elevating its national appeal.

Datong Ancient Town: The Echoes of a Merchant Hub

If Yongquan embodies poetic retreats and Liqiao radiates Jiangnan’s charm, then Datong Ancient Town is a historical narrative carved in stone, reflecting its past as a thriving merchant hub along the Yangtze. Though time has mellowed its once-bustling docks, its alleys whisper stories of bygone prosperity.

Strolling its Huizhou-style streets, this reporter met an elderly local who recounted the days when tea houses, salt shops, and cloth merchants animated the marketplace from dawn to dusk. The imagery of porters carrying loads and traders haggling made the past momentarily come alive.

Following the scent of freshly brewed Hui-style green tea, this reporter entered a century-old tea house. The soft murmur of old conversations, the gentle footfalls on stone alleys—time seemed to slow, allowing me to embrace Datong’s enduring tranquility.

Unlike Suzhou or Hangzhou’s vibrant water towns, Datong is a silent storyteller, welcoming visitors with grace and quiet wisdom. Every brick, wooden door, and sip of tea carries the warmth of history, inviting reflection and appreciation.

The Lasting Echo of the New Year

This journey wasn’t just about witnessing Jiangnan’s winter beauty—it was about rediscovering the Spring Festival’s essence. Yongquan’s hot springs, Liqiao’s iron fireworks, and Datong’s heritage streets each carried the true spirit of Chinese New Year.

As this reporter left, morning mist veiled the town, and lanterns still swayed in the breeze. I knew the New Year’s spirit here wouldn’t fade—it would linger in these ancient streets, waiting for future travelers to embrace its warmth and tradition.

Please follow and like us: