More than 100 local residents have joined in traditional Chinese New Year activities, such as writing Chinese couplets, at the Sishi Tongtang restaurant in the capital since mid-January.

The idea is to carry on traditional Chinese culture and folk customs, says Jia Wenyu, an employee at the restaurant, which has five locations across Beijing.

"In the past, people wrote couplets by hand, but now most couplets are printed, with some not even up to standards," Jia says.

"We want to bring back authentic folk customs for Chinese New Year."

The event has received an active response from Beijing residents, especially among seniors, and will last until Jan 23. All the couplets made will be given to diners and workers in the neighborhood.

Experts have also been invited to impart to young people knowledge of the old ways of celebrating.