Young people have been seeking out new ways to enjoy the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations as they unlock cultural gems and find new modes of entertainment in the popular city of Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The Spring Festival, China's biggest annual celebration which marks the Chinese New Year, is deeply cherished by the Chinese as the epitome of family reunions and a fresh start. But this traditional annual fixture has also evolved with modern times. As transportation networks expand, a growing number of Chinese are exploring new ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year through travel, which is especially popular among Generation Z, who seek novel experiences.
Chengdu, renowned for its status as a park city where leisurely tea-drinking and vibrant conversations in rural spaces like the popular People's Park are a staple, has emerged as a favored destination for those looking to experience the New Year in a new light.
After enjoying a refreshing sip of afternoon tea, visitors can then feel the city come alive at night time. There's a treat for all the sense, with the sight and sound of traditional Sichuan Opera performances, the unmistakably fragrant smell of spicy hot pot meals in the air, and spectacular lantern displays at Tianfu Square featuring the beloved panda offering a further visual treat.
The Spring Festival in Chengdu is a blend of the old and the new. As the evening sets, the Tianfu International Convention Center and its surroundings buzz with families enjoying outdoor dinners, symbolizing unity and joy.
The cityscape is lit by Asia's largest digital screen, showcasing pandas and depicting scenes of heartfelt stories from across China. The streets are filled with cultural activities, including calligraphy writing of the Chinese character 'fu', wishing for happiness and luck, as well as people dressed in elegant Hanfu clothing, and the ancient art of making iron flowers, a fiery spectacle wishing prosperity for the New Year.
The celebration reaches its zenith with a breathtaking drone show overhead depicting a dragon, symbolizing the ushering in of this New Year. Despite however tiring travel may be, these varied experiences allow Chinese people to immerse themselves in the festive spirit and cultural richness of different regions, offering a fresh perspective as they start the Year of the Dragon.