Historic Qianmen Street became the heart of Beijing's Lunar New Year celebrations this week, blending ancient traditions with modern energy as crowds flocked to welcome the Year of the Horse. 🐎 The 600-year-old pedestrian avenue dazzled with crimson lantern arches and dragon dance performances that had visitors snapping Instagram stories non-stop.
Foodies lined up for tanghulu candied fruits and sizzling lamb skewers at retro-style snack stalls, while artisans showcased paper-cutting designs featuring 2026's trending 'cyber-folk' aesthetic. 🎨 "It's like time traveling with 5G speeds," laughed local university student Li Wei, balancing a milk tea in one hand and rabbit-shaped dough figurines in the other.
Cultural organizers added augmented reality elements to this year's event – scan a QR code on traditional couplet scrolls to see animated blessings pop up on your phone! 📲 The festivities highlight China's growing trend of guochao (national trend), where Gen Z embraces heritage through contemporary lenses.
