Villagers in Jinyun county, Lishui practice the waist drum dance for the Spring Festival gala. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

As Spring Festival approaches, Jinyun county in Lishui, Zhejiang province is busy preparing cultural performances for villagers.

According to data, there will be a total of 161 grassroots galas held in Jinyun during the Spring Festival. All performances, which include opera shows, folk dances, and folk songs, are designed and presented by local villagers under the guidance of the county's cultural center.

"We will provide artistic guidance to villagers," said Lou Huangliang, director of the center. On Jan 23, the center had a training course for directors and hosts with the intention of improving the organization of grassroots shows.

The Spring Festival galas contribute to the cultural development of Jinyun, according to Lou. He recalled the old days when people usually played cards or mahjong during the Chinese New Year holiday. However, villagers now spend more time singing, dancing and reading, which Lou considered to be a positive change in rural culture.

Two villagers perform an opera at a grassroots gala in Jinyun county, Lishui during the Spring Festival. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

A cultural hall in Jinyun county, Lishui is crowded with villagers eager to watch the cultural performances. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]