The ancient Mansion of Chuzhou in Lishui, Zhejiang province, hosted an immersive event that drew many visitors on Jan 1, the first day of the New Year holiday.

In a restored Song Dynasty (960-1279) tax office, participants followed an actor portraying Qin Guan, a Song Dynasty poet, checking tax silver, reviewing accounts, and studying brewing techniques — experiencing a day in the life of an ancient officer.

Afterward, they sampled local snacks like sweet fermented rice and local cakes nearby.

Beyond the Mansion of Chuzhou, cultural experiences flourished across Lishui. In Jingning She autonomous county, a vibrant parade reenacted She ethnic wedding customs. Tourists dressed in traditional She ethnic attire and joined ethnic games.

Jingning She autonomous county holds ethnic parade on Jan 1. [Photo/Tide News]

Meanwhile, Longquan's Wang'ou-Taoxichuan Cultural and Creative Neighborhood bustled with over 70 stalls offering celadon crafts, handmade goods, and local foods.

A small ceramics auction stood out, with dozens of celadon pieces selling out within an hour, starting at just 5 yuan ($0.71) each.

Tourists participate in the ceramics auction in Longquan, a county-level city in Lishui, Zhejiang province, on Jan 1. [Photo/Tide News]

From Song Dynasty immersion to ethnic festivities and creative markets, Lishui offered tangible, interactive cultural experiences that blended past and present to warmly welcome the new year.