Pingyao preparing for Chinese New Year activities

The old city of Pingyao, in Shanxi province, will hold Chinese New Year activities Jan 23- Feb 15 (Spring Festival) and is making elaborate preparations so that tourists can enjoy themselves and get a taste of a real, traditional celebration and local culture with some fantastic activities, such as lantern shows, operas, and Shehuo (local folk art).

There are also interesting performances with local features, such as a typical county government office, calligraphy and painting shows, and a photography competition.

Pingyao's Chinese New Year activities became part of a national "Our Festival: Spring Festival" event in 2009, and, thanks to provincial, municipal and local government support, the New Year activities have even become a brand that helps both cultural and industrial development.

Edited by Roger Bradshaw