Festive atmosphere, immersive cultural experience in North China ancient town

As dusk settled in, the ancient town of Yangliuqing in North China's Tianjin lit up with festive lights along the historic Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

Even before reaching the main street, visitors were greeted by a joyful New Year's atmosphere -- colorful lanterns and red banners adorned the traditional town, while cheerful figurines inspired by Yangliuqing's renowned woodblock paintings stood at the entrance of the lane.

Long renowned for its vibrant woodblock paintings, a celebrated staple of New Year decor across China, Yangliuqing town is now turning itself into an immersive, interactive scene that visitors can step into and explore.

The Yangliuqing woodblock painting draws from the town's rich history along the Grand Canal, once a vital trade route that connected northern and southern China. During the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), the canal helped carry Yangliuqing's iconic, symbolic New Year paintings to all corners of the country, spreading art and tradition far and wide.

For the new year, the town's historic buildings have become a luminous canvas of light, sound and digital art. Overhead, a swarm of drones lit up the night sky, creating a dazzling aerial display.