The people of Kunshan, Jiangsu procvince celebrate the Lunar New Year from the Spring Festival to the Lantern Festival, with many events taking place during this period of time, as follows:

Whipping the cattle

Locals whip a sculpture of a farm cow to mimic a farmer in the field trying to get the animal to drag the plough. They also touch the cow gently to give them success in the coming year.

People touch a sculpture of a farm cow gently to give them success in the coming year. [Photo from Kunshan Tourism Resort]

Time: Starts at 9:58 am, Feb 8, the first day of the first lunar month, and ending on the 7th day.

Location: Old Pailou (decorated archway) in Zhouzhuang town

Greeting the God of Wealth

Zhouzhuang residents greet the God of Wealth by joining a grand parade to spread luck among the participants.

Time: Starts at 9:58 am, on Feb 12, the fifth day of the first lunar month. Caishenju, an archaized building constructed based on historical records of the former residence of Shen Wansan, is open to pilgrims who want to pray to the God of Wealth, Jan 15 - Feb 14.

Location: Caishenju in Zhouzhuang town

Dance procession

There will be dalianxiang, tiaohualan and other folk dances in the parades accompanied by jovial music and cheery faces. The dancers are locals dressed in traditional outfits, who cross the alleys to send joy to residents.

Dancers dressed in traditional outfits cross the alleys to send joy to residents during Chinese New Year celebration. [Photo from Kunshan Tourism Resort]

Time: Feb 8 - 13, the 1st - 6th day of the first lunar month.

Location: Zhouzhuang and Jinxi towns

Lantern Festival celebration

The idea is to?appreciate artful lanterns and solve riddles written on them, traditional ways of enjoying the night of the 15th day of the first lunar month.

Lantern Festival celebration involves appreciating artful lanterns and solving riddles written on them. [Photo from Kunshan Tourism Resort]

Time: Feb 22

Location: South Quanfu Rd, Zhouzhuang