Various wonderful programs such as Kunqu Opera, dances, instrumental music performances, and skits were staged. Calligraphers were busy writing Spring Festival couplets for villagers and tourists. On both sides of the road, there were kinds of Lunar New Year goods, including freshly made special snacks such as sugar flowers and soaked rice cakes, as well as freshly picked vegetables and jar vegetables of villagers living nearby.

 

The event is a traditional folk activity in Aoshang Ancient Village, Aoshang Town, Suxian District, with a history of more than 1,300 years. It aims to inherit this traditional culture, showcase the achievements of rural revitalization, promote local economic development, and advance the integrated development of agriculture, culture and tourism in Suxian District, Chenzhou City. 

 

 

 

On the site, the National Lunar New Year Painting Exhibition was also held, with both traditional paintings and modern works portraying Arctic expeditions, astronauts and deliverymen on display. These works were jointly created by artists from more than 10 art universities across the country. They were given as free gifts to villagers and tourists from all over the country. 

 

Aoshang Ancient Village has well-preserved buildings with the characteristic of southern Hunan during the Qing Dynasty. It is a great specimen for studying the architectural culture of rural areas in the Ming and Qing dynasties, and also one of the well-preserved ancient architectural complexes in Chenzhou to date. In 2011, it was listed as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit. In 2015, it was rated as the “Most Beautiful Ancient Village in Hunan”. And in 2016, it was included in the fourth batch of traditional Chinese villages. 

 

 

 

In addition to experiencing traditional Lunar New Year activities, purchasing Chinese New Year goods and agricultural products, tourists could also visit Aoshang Ancient Village to learn about its historical and cultural heritage, and experience the unique charm of the ancient village in southern Hunan.

 

Chen Yangbing, Party secretary of Aoshang Ancient Village, said that in recent years, Aoshang Ancient Town has made efforts to promote the integrated development of culture and tourism in the ancient village. The event with over 80 booths and over 100 stalls showcased over 300 types of agricultural products. It’s estimated that the three-day event could achieve sales revenue of over 3 million yuan. Aoshang Ancient Village will continue to carry forward the tradition.