QINGDAO - Qingdao City in east China's Shandong Province has launched a grand New Year's goods market featuring a dazzling array of local specialties, trendy cultural and creative products, and traditional handicrafts, alongside multiple campaigns to boost consumption.

The Chinese lunar year for 2026 is the Year of the Horse and will begin on February 17, 2026. New Year goods markets across China are bustling with excitement as the festive atmosphere grows stronger.

Going to such market is a folk custom in rural China. Traditionally, both the buyers and the sellers are mainly local villagers, and the goods are mainly daily necessities.

With emerging consumer demands, the market in Qingdao has transformed into a hub for premium goods, attracting both residents and tourists to select a wide variety of New Year goods.

At the bustling market, visitors are also offered traditional opera performances and the opportunity to experience intangible cultural heritage items.

In efforts to stimulate the winter cultural tourism consumption, relevant Qingdao authorities initiated a "ticket stub economy business alliance" in October. More than 500 member stores now provide discounts, redeem points or other benefits to customers who hold ticket stubs from transport services, cultural and tourism activities, and sports events.