On Dec 4, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the Spring Festival – specifically the social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity.

Taiyuan's Spring Festival lantern show. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

An official from the Culture and Tourism Department of Shanxi Province announced that for the 2025 Spring Festival, Shanxi will introduce an upgraded "Joyful Chinese New Year, Authentic Shanxi Flavor" cultural tourism package.

This will include a variety of activities such as ICH exhibitions, ancient city celebrations, folk performances, traditional Chinese New Year experiences, special tourist routes, and themed cultural and creative products. Visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere and appreciate the charm of ICH.

Shanxi's Shehuo folk performances. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

North China's Shanxi province, one of the first regions to start celebrating the Chinese New Year, boasts a rich and diverse array of Spring Festival customs. These traditions reflect a unique blend of Central China's agricultural culture and northern China's ethnic culture.

Of Shanxi's 23 nationally recognized ICH projects, eight are related to Spring Festival customs, including Shehuo folk performances, temple fairs, and folk customs. These traditions are well-preserved and continue to grow in influence.

Among Shanxi's traditional music, dance, crafts, and art, a significant number of items are also related to the Spring Festival. Iconic traditions such as Qitai Yangko dance, shadow puppetry, and flower-shaped buns are all integral parts of the Spring Festival celebrations.

Shanxi's Shehuo folk performances. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]