Shandong celebrates Rural Culture and Tourism Festival from Jan 18 to March 11. [Poster by chinadaily.com.cn]

   [Video by Cao Jiayue/chinadaily.com.cn] 

Shandong province has set the stage for a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration with the launch of the 2024 Shandong Rural Culture and Tourism Festival. 

Commencing on Jan 18 and spanning until March 11, the festival promises a grand cultural spectacle, seamlessly integrating festivities from provincial to village levels.

In Jimo Ancient City, the kickoff ceremony dazzled with lively drum performances, unique intangible cultural heritage displays, and engaging performances joined by international participants. 

Social media platforms are buzzing with hashtags like #ShandongRuralCultureandTourismFestival, reflecting the active participation of netizens and the palpable festive atmosphere.

"Returning to the village for the Chinese New Year" emerges as a cultural slogan, embodying Shandong's warm rural hospitality. The rural areas beautifully preserve and showcase Spring Festival customs, creating a lively and authentic festive ambiance.

As part of this festival, the rural trips provide a serene escape, allowing visitors to explore the profound spiritual essence of the countryside. This movement towards rural cultural tourism not only revitalizes the humanistic economy but also invigorates the cultural landscape of Shandong's villages.

The festival's unique blend of ancient traditions and modern festivities has caught the attention from both home and abroad. Shandong, with its cultural roots, invites everyone to experience the Lunar New Year in the countryside by embracing the charm of rural life during this celebration.

Folk art performance is held in Jimo Ancient City, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A performance is held in Zhoucun Ancient Town, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The performance of the festival garners a lot of attention. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]