The vibrant Rural Cultural Tourism Festival kicked off in Yantai Huang-Bohai New Area, on Jan 27, marking the beginning of the 2024 Spring Festival Shandong Rural Cultural Tourism Festival.

Hosted by the Yantai Huang-Bohai New Area Committee's publicity and mass organizations department, the launch ceremony saw an enthusiastic gathering of international guests from countries like South Africa and the United States, alongside local citizens.

Foreign friends immersed themselves in Yantai's folklore by inscribing the character "Fu". [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The festival showcases China's rural heritage and cultural tourism. The event features activities like writing traditional "Fu" characters and making candied hawthorns. This allows participants to delve into the customs and traditions that form the cornerstone of Chinese culture.

Foreign attendees were particularly drawn to the craftsmanship and cultural art forms that were on display. They eagerly immersed themselves in the festival, including traditional market games, air gun shooting, and traditional Chinese medicine consultations.

Visitors like Mo Pachai from South Africa praised the enduring appeal of Chinese culture, stating that the festival is a memorable exploration of China's history and culture. Elliot Miller, an American living in Yantai, encouraged others to come and experience the joys of the festival.

Additionally, a curated selection of local goods and cultural activities were also available at the event, as it is also part of the "Good Products of Huang-Bohai" Spring Festival fair.