Chongqing - Over 200 overseas Chinese from more than 10 countries visited Pianyan Ancient Town in Beibei District, Chongqing, on Wednesday. The event, in celebration of the Lantern Festival, showcased a vibrant fusion of traditional Chinese New Year customs and the timeless charm of the ancient town.

Overseas Chinese gathered in Pianyan Ancient Town for the Lantern Festival. (Photo/Beibei District)

Located in the scenic Jindao Valley, Pianyan Ancient Town, despite centuries of change, has retained its historic stone streets, architecture, and cultural traditions. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, the town features brick houses built along the slopes, ancient trees with sprawling roots, and a quiet river flowing through its heart, a well-known spot for locals' summer leisures. Visitors marveled at the town’s picturesque beauty and rich cultural heritage, such as stick dancing and paper-cutting, describing it as a place merging modern vitality and historical significance.

Overseas guests dressed in red enjoyed the New Year vibe. (Photo/Beibei District)

The Lantern Festival, observed on the 15th day of every first lunar month, transformed Pianyan Ancient Town into a lively hub of cultural activity in this event. The town was adorned with festive decorations like red lanterns and papers, and overseas Chinese strolled along its cobblestone streets, immersing themselves in its history and culture as a homecoming experience. They participated in various traditional activities, such as paper cutting, lantern riddle-solving, making tangyuan (sweet rice balls), crafting cloth dolls, and carving leaf art. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy as attendees engaged in these hands-on experiences.

The Long Street banquet was a highlight of the event. (Photo/Beibei District)

The highlight of the day is the long street banquet, a festival tradition for the locals to welcome guests and cherish reunion. The town's century-old streets were lined with tables and chairs, creating an open-air dining hall under the sky. The feast featured a mix of classic Chongqing dishes, such as salted steamed pork, steamed pork with rice flour, and braised chicken and duck, alongside traditional snacks like tangyuan and modern creative cuisine. The meal not only foregrounded the flavors of Chinese New Year but also catered to the diverse tastes of the overseas Chinese attendees.

For many, the event was a nostalgic journey back to their roots. The familiar tastes and festive atmosphere evoked memories of their ancestral hometowns, rekindling a deep sense of connection to their heritage. As families and friends gathered to celebrate, the event became a heartfelt reunion, blending tradition, culture, and the warmth of shared moments.