China News Service, Huaihua, February 10th (Fu Jingyi and Li Lin) "Let's start the banquet. The first bowl is good luck. The second bowl is Stewed Xuefeng Silky Chicken with Polygonatum jelly. The second bowl is the bright future, Qianyang Snow-capped Duck; Bowl, beefy, high-mountain yellow beef in a dry pot; fourth bowl, more than enough every year, yellow braised Changling fish..." On the evening of February 9, New Year's Eve, in the ancient city of Qianyang, Hongjiang City, Huaihua, Hunan, tables were set one after another Throughout the streets and alleys, local residents and tourists enjoyed the Dragon Feast to welcome the Year of the Dragon.
Thousands of people in the ancient city of Qianyang, Hunan Province enjoyed the Long Dragon Banquet to welcome the Year of the Dragon. Photo by Li Lin
The ancient city of Qianyang was decorated that night. Red lanterns, Chinese knots, the festive character "福", and eye-catching colorful neon lights became the protagonists of the night scene of the ancient city. The streets and alleys were filled with lights and the atmosphere of the New Year was everywhere.
Accompanied by bursts of drums, a wonderful lion dance performance kicked off the long banquet at the Zhongzheng Gate Square. The two lions, one big and two small, were jumping and jumping to the sonorous and powerful drum beats. They were full of energy, attracting bursts of cheers and making it very lively.
After the lion dance, as the passionate music of "Chinese Dragon" played, more than a thousand citizens and tourists on Xizheng Street happily danced a super-burning desk dance using tables as props. Coordinated movements, nimble fingers, confident smiles, spirit of unity, tall and straight postures, and happy smiling faces are perfectly presented with the accompaniment of cheerful music, opening up a beautiful visual feast.
Afterwards, the Long Dragon Banquet made its grand debut. The ancient city of Qianyang has nine streets and eighteen lanes, and every house is connected together. Whenever there is a major event or festival, the hospitable ancient city people will put the tables together one after another, winding like a long queue, prepare good wine and food, and celebrate the harvest and emotion together.
"This year during the Chinese New Year, some young people are still on duty, so more than 100 families in our Xizheng Street decided to put all the tables in the alley to have New Year's Eve dinner with the tourists. This will make it more lively." Chen Zhiming, a resident of the ancient city. It is said that the tradition of the ancient city of Qianyang is to bring good luck during the New Year. Hot pot and dishes must be served in double portions, which means "good things come in pairs". In the past, conditions were limited, and some had 6 bowls. Now that life has improved, people generally like 12 bowls, which means The moon is red.
"Happy New Year, good health, and everything will be prosperous. Cheers!" Steaming dishes were delivered to the dining table. Residents and tourists toasted and drank amid laughter, sharing joy and joy, and celebrating the New Year.
"The ancient city has a strong Chinese New Year flavor, and the New Year's Eve dinner is delicious. I am very happy to come here to celebrate the New Year. I can experience the unique folk culture in western Hunan. It is really a worthwhile trip." Mr. Wang, a tourist from Changsha, said in a video with his friends .
It is reported that during the Spring Festival, Qianyang Ancient City will also launch a series of cultural and folk activities such as hydrangea to attract brides, Han wedding ceremony, Furong Tower Poetry Festival, intangible cultural heritage performances, starlight market, etc., allowing citizens and tourists to fully experience the long-standing New Year customs culture of Hongjiang City and lively human fireworks. (over)