With Chinese New Year celebrations kicking off this week, Spring Festival markets across the Chinese mainland are buzzing like TikTok trends on a Friday night 🎇. CGTN host Jack Klumpp recently explored Beijing’s iconic Dongyue Temple market, where lanterns glow brighter than smartphone screens and tradition meets Gen-Z energy.
Red Envelopes & Real Talk
Klumpp discovered why everyone obsesses over crimson couplets (hint: they’re like New Year’s resolutions but way prettier 🖌️) and learned how selecting the perfect ‘Fu’ character is more strategic than choosing a Netflix show. Local vendor Ms. Zhang explained: ‘The upside-down ‘Fu’ means blessings pour into your life – it’s basically manifesting, 15th-century style.’
Snack Attack, Cultural Edition
From sticky rice cakes sweeter than K-pop ballads to candied haws that crunch like ASMR, these markets are foodie heaven 🥟. Pro tip: Grab niangao (glutinous rice cake) for career success – it’s the 2026 version of LinkedIn Premium.
Why It Slaps in 2026
This year’s markets blend ancient customs with modern flair, featuring AR-powered zodiac predictions (Year of the Horse vibes, anyone? 🐎) and eco-friendly decorations. As families prep for reunion dinners on Feb 17, these markets remind us that tradition isn’t just history – it’s lit 🔥.
