As Spring Festival draws near, a large market fair kicked off on Jan 8 at the West Lake Culture Square in Gongshu district, Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province.

Along with a brand-new Russian specialty and fashion booth, the market offers a wide spectrum of food, agricultural products, and local specialties at a reasonable price. Vendors and customers in the packed market were quite enthusiastic about the products.

The event seeks to meet the demand for Spring Festival goods, which include mouthwatering fresh fruits, cured meats, rice cakes, steamed dumplings, almonds, and nibbles, among others.

A market fair opens at the West Lake Culture Square in Gongshu district, Hangzhou, on Jan 8, 2025. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In a short time, a number of customers were already seen carrying full bags, happy with their purchases.

"I was quite happy seeing these items here and bought some for my friends," said an 80-year-old lady surnamed Dai. "The event is fantastic. There are so many food options, and for elderly folks like myself, it's very convenient."

The organizers have also set up various festival-themed spots featuring elements of traditional culture for people to take photos, enhancing the New Year ambiance and attracting crowds of visitors.

The fair aims to create an enjoyable atmosphere and spur consumer interest, according to the organizers. It will run until Jan 24.