The annual "Friendly Shandong New Year Celebrations" event kicked off on Jan 1 at Taierzhuang ancient town, a renowned scenic spot in Zaozhuang, Shandong province.

The celebration event will last for about two months, which will span important traditional Chinese festivals like New Year's Day, Spring Festival, and Lantern Festival to facilitate Shandong's tourism and cultural industries in the winter, as well as to create a festive atmosphere for tourists and local residents, said Shandong authorities. 

According to the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the province will highlight its unique traditional culture and customs this year via various activities at the province's numerous scenic spots to create a joyful atmosphere, as well as to entertain tourists.

A series of discounts, promotions, and coupons will also be launched at the province's resort areas, hotels, and travel agencies to attract more tourists.

The 2021 "Friendly Shandong New Year Celebrations" event open on Jan 1 at Taierzhuang ancient town. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A dragon dance is performed at Taierzhuang ancient town during the opening ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The "Friendly Shandong New Year Celebrations" event aim to attract more tourists to Shandong and create a festive atmosphere. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A traditional dragon dance is performed at the opening ceremony of the "Friendly Shandong New Year Celebrations" event. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The folk custom performance parade is staged in Taierzhuang ancient town on Jan 1. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A jubilant and exciting lion dance is performed during the opening ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"Taige", an ancient folk art performance in which the performers stand on top of exquisitely disguised structures, is staged in Taierzhuang ancient town on Jan 1. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The folk custom performance parade attracts many visitors in Taierzhuang ancient town on Jan 1. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]