China News Service, Chongqing, February 3: Chongqing’s “Kilometer-long Banquet” returns offline and tens of thousands of people gather in the ancient town to enjoy the New Year’s taste
China News Service reporter Zhong Yi
"It's Chinese New Year...it's time to eat..." February 3rd is the Southern New Year in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. With a loud shout, the "Kilometer Long Banquet" in Zhongshan Ancient Town, Jiangjin District, Chongqing, a famous historical and cultural town in China, officially started. . There are 800 banquet tables in the more than 1,000-meter-long old street, attracting tens of thousands of guests and friends from all over the world to have a family reunion dinner and share the traditional New Year taste.
The "Kilometer Long Banquet" is a traditional folk custom in Zhongshan Ancient Town, which first originated in the Song Dynasty. Affected by the epidemic, folk activities were once moved to online experiences. This is the first time in four years that the "Kilometer Long Banquet" has been held offline.
On February 3, the "Kilometer Long Banquet" in Zhongshan Ancient Town, Jiangjin District, Chongqing officially opened. Photo by China News Service reporter Zhong Yi
When reporters walked into the ancient town, the familiar festive atmosphere hit their faces: every household hung festive red lanterns, the aroma of rice wine and food overflowed from the several-story steamer, and the ancient town's special snacks, stone glutinous rice cake and smoked tofu, were waiting for diners to taste, placed on the narrow table. There are banquets in the street as far as the eye can see, laughter and cheers are endless, tourists are crowded in the streets and alleys...
Amid everyone's expectations, 67-year-old Yang Guangxiang showed off his unique skill of "potting" as he did in previous years. He placed 10 steaming dishes in a wooden tray about 2 meters long and 20 centimeters wide, held it on his head, and moved freely between the banquets, serving delicious food and wine to everyone. Wherever you go, people will always stop and take photos.
"This is my 15th year of potting in the ancient town. Although there were interruptions in the past few years, everyone's enthusiasm for celebrating has not changed. There are more people this year." Xu Shi felt very cordial when he returned to the ancient town. Amid the applause, Yang Guangxiang also They demonstrated various tricks such as "frog basking in the belly", "golden rooster standing alone" and "eagle spreading its wings" to add to the fun of the festival.
On February 3, 67-year-old Yang Guangxiang demonstrated the unique skill of "playing pots" at the "Kilometer Long Banquet". Photo by China News Service reporter Zhong Yi
On the banquet table, "one old" and "one young" are particularly conspicuous. Nine ancient town residents over 80 years old were beaming in bright red Tang suits. Faced with the New Year blessings from tourists, 100-year-old Gong Guchen expressed his gratitude repeatedly. Ten third-grade students from Zhongshan Town Central Primary School feasted at the "Kilometer-long Banquet" after paying their respects to the elderly. Student parent Chen Yi said: "This is the first time for the children to participate in activities in the ancient town. I hope they can feel the charm of traditional Chinese culture while carrying forward the traditional virtues of filial piety and love for relatives."
"I came here because of its reputation." Andrew, a Czech who has been working in Chongqing for two years, truly experienced the Chinese Spring Festival atmosphere for the first time. He was full of curiosity about everything and excitedly raised his mobile phone to take pictures everywhere. Andrew, who had never seen such a battle before, kept praising: "Chongqing is beautiful, and Bashi's board (which means good and comfortable)."
"In order to bring her children in search of the flavor of the New Year," Chongqing citizen Zou Hongxia booked six banquet tables early and invited fifty or sixty people from her family to accompany her. Seeing the lanterns hanging high in the ancient town and the wandering vendors selling sugar paintings, candied haws, and making glutinous rice cakes, she couldn't help but think of the days when she grew up in the countryside. "This is the ritual of the New Year."
In this ancient town for thousands of years, the folk customs have not changed, attracting tourists from all over the world, and also giving new expectations to the residents who grew up here. In October 2023, Zhou Jieyu, a "post-90s generation", returned to his hometown with his craftsmanship and opened the first coffee shop in the ancient town. "I have participated in the 'Kilometer Long Banquet' since I was a child. Watching it become more and more lively, I am very proud." Zhou Jieyu said. (over)