China recreates Tang Dynasty Tet, young people enjoy the experience

The Tang Dynasty was one of the most prosperous dynasties in Chinese history. Not only was it economically powerful, China also developed culturally and became more and more perfect during this dynasty.

Tourists wearing hanfu holding lanterns walk around the streets, experiencing the atmosphere of celebrating the Lunar New Year during the Tang Dynasty at a New Year event in Beijing, China. (Photo: CGTN)

Like today, the Tang Dynasty also had many different Lunar New Year festival activities. Tao Yao, a Hanfu (traditional clothing of the Han people in feudal China) enthusiast, participated in an ancient New Year festival in Beijing, to "time travel" and experience the New Year atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty.

Tao Yao said: "Modern China has many traditional New Year customs that have been passed down since the Tang Dynasty. For example, the whole city is lit up with fish lanterns or vibrant lion and dragon dances. People join in this traditional festival atmosphere in the streets and alleys."

The female tourist added: "Holding a lantern and walking on the main streets at night during the New Year really brings a very special feeling."

Tourists experience printing Tang Dynasty Tet paintings. (Photo: CGTN)

Festival-goers can also experience printing New Year paintings, a profession that flourished during the Tang Dynasty. Today, printing New Year paintings is considered a traditional art and a form of intangible cultural heritage of China.

Families during the Tang Dynasty often hung peach wood amulets in front of their doors to pray for peace. (Photo: CGTN)

Another traditional New Year custom during the Tang Dynasty was hanging peach wood charms. At that time, there were no red couplets, so families often hung peach wood charms in front of their doors to pray for peace.

A performance simulating the scene of people celebrating Tet during the Tang Dynasty in China. (Photo: CGTN)

Tourist Lan Lan said: "It can be seen that during the Tang Dynasty, New Year's Eve activities were not only held in the palace but also on the streets and alleys. People gathered together on New Year's Eve and participated in bustling activities to welcome the new year."

Hua Yu (Source: CGTN)

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