East China's Shandong province will launch a grand New Year event on Dec 20 in Taierzhuang ancient town, a renowned tourist destination in Zaozhuang, Shandong province.

According to organizers, visitors will able to enjoy firework and light shows, intangible cultural heritage items, dragon and lion dances, and lantern shows.

The event, part of the "Friendly Shandong" promotion, will last until late February next year. It is meant to attract more tourists to the province during winter.

Taierzhuang ancient town is located near the Zaozhuang section of the Grand Canal and has more than 2,000 years of history.

The town was regarded in ancient times as a shipping hub, as many goods transported by road and via the Grand Canal would pass through the town. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014.

Taierzhuang ancient town recently launched a series of preferential policies and tourist products to meet the winter travel demands of tourists.

Visitors enjoy a folk performance in Taierzhuang ancient town over the Lunar New Year holiday. [Photo/WeChat account: tezgc2008]

A Beijing folk art troupe performs a Jingxi Taiping drum dance in Taierzhuang ancient town, Zaozhuang, Shandong province. [Photo/WeChat account: tezgc2008]

Tourists try their hands at traditional shadow puppetry in Taierzhuang ancient town, Zaozhuang, Shandong province. [Photo/WeChat account: tezgc2008]

A variety of performances will be held during the New Year celebrations in Taierzhuang ancient town, Zaozhuang, Shandong province. [Photo/WeChat account: tezgc2008]