Looking for a festive and immersive way to celebrate Chinese New Year? Head to Yangliuqing Ancient Town (杨柳青古镇) in Xiqing district, Tianjin. During the Spring Festival, this canal-side town comes alive with its “Auspicious Year” theme, offering a perfect mix of culture, storytelling and festive cheer.

With a history of more than 1,000 years, Yangliuqing flourished during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties (1271-1911) as a major land-and-water trading hub linking northern and southern China. Today, its well-preserved historical district featuring elegant canal-side architecture, grand merchant courtyards and celebrated Yangliuqing woodblock New Year prints (nianhua, 年画).

Immerse yourself in a living story
From Feb 17 to March 4, dive into the role-playing game Finding Bai Junying, an interactive experience that unfolds through the town’s historical streets. Follow story clues and encounter characters and explore Yangliuqing’s heritage as the narrative comes to life around you. Bai Junying was a legendary local figure of the Qing Dynasty. Unlike a typical sightseeing trip, it’s storytelling you can walk into, interact with and play along!

Nights lit with festive spectacle
After dark, Yangliuqing transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland. The Spring Festival light shows highlight both aerial and stage performances, blending dance, drumming and traditional elements of the woodblock New Year prints into an electrifying celebration. Don’t miss the Dragon Horse Flying show, where legendary creatures from Chinese prints soar across the night sky using cutting-edge technology — a visual feast perfect for photos and videos.

Explore, taste, and play
Yangliuqing offers more than just stories and lights. Stroll the town’s streets and squares to enjoy:
Live performances: traditional Chinese opera, acrobatics and street-style China-chic flash shows.
Festive markets: pick up woodblock New Year prints, traditional New Year goods and creative souvenirs.
Culinary delights: savor local treats and seasonal specialties.
Interactive fun: meet costumed story characters, join parades, take selfies and play mini-games that make tradition lively and approachable.