Lishui in Zhejiang province is known as the birthplace of the "village Spring Festival gala", an event that has evolved into an important platform for displaying rural culture and promoting rural economy, now in its 45th year.

During the 2024 Spring Festival, the city plans to hold more than 500 village Spring Festival galas. Here are some of the highlights across Lishui's several counties:

Songyang integrates the Spring Festival gala with its tea gardens. [Photo/WeChat account: wxlishui]

1. Songyang county

Date: Feb 4   Location: Damu Mountain Tea Garden scenic area

The county has integrated the Spring Festival gala with the scenic spot for the first time. Against the backdrop of the tea garden, villagers move the stage to their production and living scenes, offering performances on the tea mountain.

2. Yunhe county

Date: Feb 6   Location: Xiaoqiao village, Yuanhe street

Yuanhe street is rich in folk cultural resources, including the Baoshan flower-drum opera, dragon dance, and drum song. Villagers independently direct and perform, presenting a captivating "cultural feast".

3. Qingyuan county

Date: Feb 10   Location: Civil Square

Dragon and lion dance teams provide performances in the morning. In the evening, six teams perform the dragon fighting show, followed by the village Spring Festival gala.

The village Spring Festival gala in Rengong village, Qingtian county. [Photo/WeChat account: wxlishui]

4. Qingtian county

Date: Feb 16   Location: Rengong village

Enjoy a variety of activities, including tasting local delicacies, engaging in traditional parent-child games, witnessing fantastic performances, and indulging in a barbecue buffet.

5. Jingning She autonomous county

Date: Feb 22   Location: Hexi village

The gala integrates the intangible cultural heritages of the She ethnic group, such as She folk songs, dances, and ribbons. Various forms of expression, including drum dances, instrumental playing, melodramas, and songs, showcase the unique Hexi style.