Sea of People: China's Spring Festival Crowds Reach Fever Pitch
As the Spring Festival celebrations sweep across China, popular tourist destinations such as Nanjing's Fuzi Temple, Luoyang's Longmen Grottoes, Zhoushan's Putuo Mountain, and Sanya's Nanshan Temple are once again witnessing massive crowds. On Chinese social media, hashtags such as "#人人人人人你人人人人人#" (meaning "tons of people amongst you"), has become a hallmark of the festival season, as a way to emphasize the size of the crowds.
2 February 2025
The character "人" (rén), meaning people, is humorously repeated multiple times as "人人人..." (rén rén rén) to emphasize the size of the crowds surrounding you (你 nǐ).
Meanwhile, traditional festivities such as the "dance of fire dragons" in Meizhou, Guangdong Province, continue to draw large crowds. This unique cultural heritage, which involves performers dancing with fire-breathing dragons, has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage project. Every year, villagers in Meizhou gather to perform the dance, praying for good fortune, prosperity, and peace. The tradition, which dates back over 280 years, features a series of performances, including the burning of incense, smoke bombs, and the dance of the fire dragon itself.
As the Spring Festival celebrations continue, it is clear that the allure of crowded tourist destinations and traditional festivities remains strong. Whether it's the thrill of the crowds or the joy of participating in age-old traditions, the "#人人人人人你人人人人人#" phenomenon is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Spring Festival season.
As the Lunar New Year celebrations reach their peak, popular tourist destinations across China are experiencing a surge in visitors. Places like Nanjing's Fuzi Temple, Luoyang's Longmen Grottoes, Zhoushan's Putuo Mountain, and Sanya's Nanshan Temple are all crowded with people eager to usher in the new year. On social media, netizens are joking about the crowds, saying "year after year, we squeeze and we go, this is our obsession."
Meanwhile, in other parts of the country, unique cultural traditions are on full display. In Meizhou, Guangdong Province, the "Pu Jai Fire Dragon" dance is a highlight of the Lantern Festival celebrations. This ancient tradition, which dates back over 280 years, features a dragon dance performance accompanied by fire and smoke, with the dragon breathing fire and performing acrobatic stunts. Locals believe that the sparks from the fire dragon can bring good luck and a prosperous new year.
The crowds are not limited to urban areas, as netizens are also sharing photos and videos of long lines and crowded roads in rural areas. As one user joked, "it's not uncommon to see crowds in the city, but have you seen long lines in the mountains?" The scenery may be beautiful, but the sheer number of people is a testament to the popularity of these destinations during the holiday season. As another user noted, "thanks to the large crowds, whether it's local scenic spots or those farther away, going out is all about seeing people."
As the Lunar New Year celebrations unfold across China, a unique and captivating traditional performance has been making waves in the city of Meizhou. The "Pui Chai Fire Dragon Dance," a national-level intangible cultural heritage, has been a staple of the local festivities for over 280 years. This ancient tradition, dating back to 1741, is an integral part of the community's cultural identity and a testament to the region's rich heritage.
The Pui Chai Fire Dragon Dance is a spectacular display of athleticism, artistry, and devotion, as performers clad in traditional attire dance with fire-breathing dragons, praying for a prosperous and peaceful new year. The performance typically consists of three segments: the ignition of the "Yu Men" (a ceremonial gate), the burning of incense, and the majestic fire dragon dance. As the dragons weave and twirl amidst the fiery blaze, they appear to come alive, spewing fire and sparks, symbolizing the community's wishes for good fortune and blessings.
This cherished tradition has been recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage, acknowledging its significance and value to China's cultural landscape. As the country celebrates the Lunar New Year, the Pui Chai Fire Dragon Dance serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the power of tradition to bring communities together. Amidst the jubilant crowds and festive atmosphere, this ancient performance continues to captivate audiences, inspiring a sense of wonder and awe that transcends generations.
