Yantai gallops into the Year of the Horse with festive events

The Spring Festival holiday has just concluded in Yantai, East China's Shandong province, with the coastal city running at full "horsepower". Seizing on the theme of the Year of the Horse, it combined traditional Chinese New Year culture with modern creativity, launching over 300 cultural tourism activities.

The lanterns shine brightly at the Suochengli historic block in Yantai, filling the air with a strong festive atmosphere. [Photo/VCG]

Traditional venues buzzed with energy throughout the holiday. The lantern fair at Yantai Botanical Garden dazzled visitors with 53 large-scale installations alongside traditional fire shows, while Yuhuangding Temple Fair showcased dozens of intangible cultural heritage items. Mu's Manor in Qixia offered 17 interactive experiences themed "Fortune in the Year of the Horse", while historic blocks like Suochengli came alive with light shows and 3D displays.

Visitors admire lanterns at the Yantai Botanical Garden Spring Festival Lantern Fair. [Photo/VCG]

All state-owned scenic spots offered half-price admission, with over 30 attractions, including the Changdao Islands, offering free entry. Cultural volunteers brought festivities to communities through calligraphy gifts and door-to-door performances, while the Yantai Museum brought traditional activities directly to local neighborhoods.

A vibrant Haiyang yangko performance takes place at the Yuhuangding Temple Fair in Yantai. [Photo/WeChat account: zhifuwanpan]

Over 100 exhibitions and 50 theatrical performances took place across the city. The Yantai Museum's special exhibition attracted numerous families with hands-on cultural workshops, while venues from the Grand Theater to local communities presented concerts, Peking Opera classics, and Spring Festival galas featuring song, dance, and traditional crafts.