The ever-popular Qingdao Turnip, Yuanxiao and Tangqiu Fair kicks off on Feb 18 in the city's Shibei district. [Photo by Cui Dongni/for chinadaily.com.cn]

The first fair to be held in the Year of the Dragon in the coastal city of Qingdao – the much-anticipated Qingdao Turnip, Yuanxiao and Tangqiu Fair – kicked off on Feb 18 in Shibei district. 

The eight-day fair is dedicated to candied food and popular snacks, just as its name indicates. Yuanxiao, also known as tangyuan, are sweet sticky-rice filled dumplings enjoyed during the Spring Festival holiday. Tangqiu, or tanghulu, is a traditional snack with sugar-coated hawthorn berries on a stick enjoyed by people of all ages in China. 

Running to Feb 25, the fair has two main venues – the Dabaodao Culture and Leisure Block venue and the Haiyun'an venue – featuring 43 themed activities and more than 200 local folk culture events.

An exquisite turnip sculpture featuring the body of dragon goes on show at the Qingdao Turnip, Yuanxiao and Tangqiu Fair. [Photo by Cui Dongni/for chinadaily.com.cn]

A street vendor makes tanghulu – a traditional snack with sugar-coated hawthorn berries on a stick – at the fair. [Photo by Wang Haibin/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Kids eagerly tuck into some tanghulu. [Photo by Wang Haibin/for chinadaily.com.cn]