As a French woman who has lived in China for eight years, I have become accustomed to spending the Spring Festival in a metropolis like Beijing. However, this year my colleagues and I visited Jungar Banner in Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region by high-speed train and experienced how the local people there celebrate the Spring Festival.
Jungar Banner is a small northern area located on the banks of the Yellow River, and its scenery, delicious food and traditional culture broadened my horizons. Paper-cutting, New Year's pictures, antithetical couplets — these customs, rich in ethnic characteristics, add a festive atmosphere to the Spring Festival. Among them, the wonderful performances of the highly skilled stilt team and the lion dance troupe gave me a profound feeling of the vitality and enthusiasm of the locals. It is the continuation of these folk customs that heightens the Spring Festival atmosphere.
Guided by paper-cutting artist Yang Fengying, I finish my first paper-cut work — a double-happiness character. Photos by Yu Xiangjun
Yang Fengying, a 58-year-old from Xiaotanzi Village, has cut numerous exquisite works with scissors that have been used for more than 50 years.
Yang Fengying shows the basic techniques of paper-cutting, and after her smooth movements, a red sheet of paper is transformed into a lifelike paper-cut for window decoration.
Yang Fengying, along with her friends and granddaughter Duan Zixuan, display paper cuttings, each of which is delicate and full of rich meanings.
Wang Huanrong, a senior citizen from the Hetai Community, shows her new creation, a cute stuffed dragon embodying blessings and expectations for the Year of the Dragon.
Gaokulüe, doughnut made of glutinous rice and broomcorn millet flour, is a must-have food in every household of Jungar Banner in winter. Eating gaokulüe during the Spring Festival is considered to truly feel the essence of local life.
Tasting gaokulüe in the traditional way — dipped in boiled carrot syrup to make it even more delicious.
Attractive in price and quality, embroidered insoles are popular items that locals must buy during the Spring Festival. The subtle design is embellished with festive elements.
Red decorations can be seen everywhere in high streets and back lanes, people make special purchases for the Spring Festival, and there is a joyful atmosphere everywhere.
The streets are decorated with lanterns and streamers. Watched by his parents, a boy plays on a drum-like swing.
A calligraphy master writes Spring Festival giveaway couplets for an appreciative audience. In today's digital information age, a handwritten blessing is even more unique and precious.
Residents who have received the couplets wait for the ink to dry. They say that for them when the couplets are pasted on their doors, the Spring Festival really begins.
Residents of Zhanbei Community of Xinglong Subdistrict practice stilt walking, organized by the community, and many children join in the training to welcome community activities during the Spring Festival.
A team of stilt walkers rehearse their performance.
In the gymnasium of Xuejiawan No. 9 Primary School in Jungar Banner, student members of the lion dance troupe rehearse for the Spring Festival celebrations.
Students of the lion dance troupe of Xuejiawan No. 9 Primary School. The school introduced the intangible cultural heritage of lion dancing into extra-curricular activities, which has not only stimulated the children's interest in traditional culture, but also passed on and promoted this ancient tradition.
Although the five-day visit was short, I deeply felt the pure festive atmosphere during the Spring Festival and the genuine emotions between people. It was an unforgettable experience that gave me a deeper understanding of China's diverse culture and customs. Whether it's the vast frontier of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region or the bustling metropolis of Beijing, the Spring Festival is equally significant to all Chinese, because it carries the reunion and future expectations of countless families.
