In the maze-like hutongs of Beijing, 79-year-old Zhu Maojin has witnessed decades of Spring Festival celebrations evolve—from childhood days of eagerly awaited new shoes 🥿 and rare feasts 🥟 to today’s era of abundance. "Every day feels like New Year now," he laughs, reflecting on how life’s comforts have transformed the holiday. Yet, for Zhu, the essence of Lunar New Year remains unchanged: family reunion.
Zhu’s story mirrors the quiet resilience of Beijing’s historic neighborhoods, where red lanterns 🏮 still glow against gray brick walls and the aroma of dumplings binds generations. "We used to save for months just to buy meat," he recalls. "Now, my grandchildren video-call from abroad while we stream the gala together." 🎆
This year’s Spring Festival saw Zhu’s courtyard brimming with laughter as relatives exchanged hongbao 📜 and shared stories of the past. "The hutong isn’t just a place—it’s where memories live," he says, his voice softening. As modernization reshapes Beijing, Zhu’s tale reminds us that some traditions—like the warmth of family—remain timeless. ❤️
