From the Chaoshan opera performance on CCTV's 2024 Chinese New Year Gala, the gorgeous firework show on the seaside, to the popular Yingge Dance that has just stepped onto the international stage...During the recent holiday of Chinese New Year of Dragon, the cultural and tourism department in Shantou has organized over 2,000 cultural and tourism activities, creating a new and vibrant landscape that exudes passion and excitement.
According to CCTV's "Live News" program, Shantou ranked among the top 50 most popular holiday destinations in the country. The data provided by Shantou's cultural and tourism department reveals that during the 2024 Chinese New Year holiday, the city received over 5.07 million visitors, marking an increase of 43.4% compared to the previous year. The tourism revenue reached 4.37 billion RMB, showcasing a staggering growth rate of 133.03%. Among these figures, the seven 4A-grade scenic spots in Shantou received a total of 1.22 million visitors, marking a remarkable year-on-year growth rate of 74.56%.
During festive occasions, Yingge Dance has emerged as one of the most anticipated cultural traditions in the Chaoshan region. From Chaoyang to Chaonan District, Yingge Dance can be observed in almost every village. It is a lively dance performed by people of all ages, from children to adults, symbolizing Chaoshan people's wishes for peace and prosperity. On the afternoon of February 13th, the Yingge Dance performance at the Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Pavilion attracted nearly 60,000 viewers, creating a spectacular scene in the heart of the Little Garden Park.
Starting from the 2023 Chinese New Year, Yingge Dance has gradually transformed from a local folk activity into a mainstream cultural phenomenon. Apart from its local influence, an increasing number of celebrities and artists outside the region have also engaged themselves into the filming of contents related to the Yingge Dance, which has gone viral on the internet, capturing the attention and sparking discussions among numerous netizens. Yingge Dance has become a fashion trend on the national scale and even around the world. As a result, it has secured the top spot among the nation's top ten cultural traditions.
At the same time, the allure of Chaoshan cuisine has become one of the key factors attracting a multitude of visitors. Infused with heartfelt emotions, these carefully crafted culinary delights combine the past and present, creating a shining highlight during the festive season. Comedian Jia Ling, who underwent a remarkable weight loss transformation during the filming of her second directorial work "YOLO," the one that achieved impressive box office success during the 2024 Chinese New Year season, revealed in an interview that her food preferences had changed, saying, "Before, I liked hot pot, but now I enjoy Chaoshan beef."
Delicious and flavorful rice with fish evokes nostalgic memories; crispy and light oil-soaked wheat spikes with squid symbolize beautiful blessings; the steaming beef hotpot with Satay sauce highlights the meticulous craftsmanship of traditional delicacies...During the Chinese New Year, the culinary charm of Shantou remains irresistible. Food enthusiasts flock to popular food streets like Zhenbang, Longyan, and Zhujiang, waiting in long queues in front of restaurants with rave reviews. Time-honored shops and trendy eateries attract both locals and tourists, setting new records in terms of both customer flow and revenue. Deciding what and how to eat in Shantou has become a "blissful dilemma" for food lovers.
Source :Yangcheng Evening News
