Chongqing - The 2024 New Year Cultural Bazaar has been officially unveiled in the central Jiefangbei Pedestrian Area and will grace the public with a rich blend of cultural innovation, intangible heritage, photo exhibitions, popular fashions, and colorful souvenirs through January 20th. Now the market is in full swing, iChongqing reporter James Alexander takes you inside to savor the experiences and products on offer. 

Three distinct market areas branch off from the Liberation Monument, and some of the eye-catching stalls feature signature products from districts of Chongqing, such as Rongchang, which has long enjoyed fame thanks to its traditional ramie cloth, folded fans and ceramic pottery. Just a few steps away, visitors can witness firsthand the intricate skills behind palm paintings and shadow opera traditionally performed with leather figurines behind a yarn screen.

Displays of specialty souvenirs embody characteristics of Chongqing, including hotpot fridge magnets, cards featuring celebrity landmarks, and model creatures woven from bamboo fibers. There are also various accessories themed on the upcoming Year of the Dragon, such as unique and colorful hats, backpacks, and toys.

Furthermore, a large stage area beside the Liberation Monument is hosting the event series New Chongqing 2023 Citizens Film Project, which exhibits the charm of Chongqing through media works, festive dance performances, public discussions, and promotions for the new photographic documentary 'Hi! I'm Chongqing' that has hit the bookshelves nationwide to wide acclaim.

(Han Bing, as an intern, also contributed to this report)