Festive atmosphere, immersive cultural experience in North China ancient town

Over the New Year holiday period, the town hosted more than 80 performances and activities, combining food, crafts, markets, lantern displays, and folk customs into a lively mix of old and new, according to Gao Jie, a manager with the town's tourism development company.

In recent years, Tianjin's Xiqing district, which administers Yangliuqing, has made cultural tourism a strategic focus, revitalizing historic areas to attract both visitors and investment. Since early 2025, Yangliuqing has revamped over 120 shops and 29 courtyards, making public spaces more inviting and adding cultural elements to give visitors a better experience.

"We're building a town with stories and soul," said Ren Zhenhuai with the Xiqing District's culture and tourism bureau. "Architecture is the form, and culture is the soul. Only when the soul comes alive can the ancient town truly live."

As the Chinese Lunar New Year approaches, new festive decorations and interactive installations have been added in the town, extending the celebratory atmosphere and inviting even more travelers to step into Yangliuqing's unfolding paintings, a living blend of heritage, art, and renewal.