The "Friendly Shandong New Year Celebration", with the slogan "Enjoying the Vibrant Year in Shandong", kicked off in Jinan, capital of Shandong province on Dec 28.

The "Friendly Shandong New Year Celebration" event kicks off on Dec 28 in Jinan. [Photo/WeChat account: sdswltwx]

The Shandong New Year celebration activities will span major holidays, including New Year's Day, Spring Festival, and the Lantern Festival, featuring a variety of cultural and tourism products to incentivize visitors from both domestic and international destinations to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Shandong.

In her speech, Wang Lei, director of the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, said that the 2024 Shandong New Year celebrations will feature a diverse range of activities, including the "Exploring Folk Customs at Spring Temple Fair", "Celebrating Lunar New Year in Museums", and "Traditional Festivities in Ancient Towns".

These vibrant events aim to provide visitors with a warm and hospitable atmosphere, allowing them to immerse themselves in rich cultural and tourism experiences while also experiencing the charm of Shandong's unique traditions and the allure of winter travel, said Wang.

Foreigners share their Lunar New Year stories in Shandong. [Photo/WeChat account: sdswltwx]

During the event, a video showcasing how foreigners perceive the Lunar New Year in Shandong was shared. Dennis, a Turkish man married to a Chinese woman residing in Yantai, shared his experiences living in Shandong.

"As someone who loves coastal living, I have been living in Yantai for nearly nine years. I really enjoy Shandong's beautiful scenery and delicious food. I encourage people from home and abroad to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Shandong," he said.

The event also featured a "New Year Gift" exhibition and sales area, showcasing a wide range of New Year gifts from 71 companies representing 16 cities in Shandong, totaling over 1,000 different items.

The urban landscape of Qingdao, a coastal city in Shandong. From the majestic Mount Tai, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the historic Confucius Temple in Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius, Shandong offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. [Photo/IC]