On the first day of the New Year 2026, the centuries-old Tongyun Bridge in Zhangjiawan Town, Tongzhou, was alive with the sound of drums and music. Acrobatic flag-waving performances soared and dipped, vendors’ calls filled the air, blending with the melodious tunes of folk music to create a New Year’s overture. The Zhangjiawan Grand Market opened that day, offering a cultural feast that blended ancient charm with modern vibrancy.

As part of Tongzhou District’s “Galloping Forward, Canal Grand Market” New Year celebration theme, the Zhangjiawan Grand Market focused on a one-stop experience of “strolling, appreciating, tasting, shopping, and entertaining.” It integrated diverse sections including cultural performances, intangible cultural heritage displays, folk customs, specialty commerce, and creative marketplaces.

The event commenced with a performance by a neo-classical folk music ensemble. Classic folk music suites like “Golden Snake Dance,” “Beautiful Flowers and Full Moon,” “Joyful,” and “Spring Festival Overture” were played in succession, allowing citizens to appreciate the charm of traditional music through the sounds of strings and bamboo.

In the intangible cultural heritage and folk performance area, Zhangjiawan’s heritage teams presented lion dances. A children’s martial arts performance titled “Nezha” featured crisp and clean moves. Acrobats skillfully tossed, caught, and balanced multi-meter-long flags on their heads. The instant face-changing of Sichuan opera elicited gasps of amazement from the audience.

After the official market opening, ten stall owners were awarded “Zhangjiawan Grand Market Featured Stall” certificates. The featured market area hosted over 20 stalls, while the traditional sales area featured more than 200 merchants. The stalls collectively showcased intangible cultural heritage handicrafts like silk figurines and hairy monkeys, as well as high-quality agricultural products such as strawberries from local tech yards, golden ear mushrooms from Nandahua Village, and self-brewed spirits from Shaijiu Alley.

Beyond watching performances and shopping, the event site featured interactive zones and photo spots to make the market experience more engaging for visitors. Long lines formed for games like “Lucky Toss” and “Lucky Spin,” where citizens tried their luck. The special photo frame in front of Tongyun Bridge and themed photo walls incorporating New Year elements became popular spots, attracting visitors to take pictures and capture the joyful moments of the first day of the year.

“We bought fresh local fruits and vegetables, took the kids to see the wonderful performances and play games. We didn’t expect the New Year’s market to be so much fun,” said a resident.

It was noted that the Zhangjiawan Grand Market brings together cultural flavor, the lively atmosphere of daily life, human warmth, and the spirit of the New Year. Furthermore, through the “traditional market + industry” model, it supports the development of distinctive rural brands and injects consumer momentum into rural revitalization. Statistics show the market received an average of 7,000 visitors daily, with sales reaching over 200,000 yuan.

It is understood that from the Winter Solstice to the Lantern Festival, the “Canal Grand Market,” under the theme “The Canal Connects North and South, New Year Spirit Gathers at the Market,” will continue to offer a variety of cultural activities. Eight rural markets in Tongzhou, including the Zhangjiawan Grand Market, will host over 50 events featuring folk custom experiences, intangible cultural heritage displays, and themed civilized practice activities. Traditional skills like flag-waving, acrobatics, stilt walking, and small cart performances will take turns being featured at the markets.

“By organizing the Canal Grand Market events, we allow citizens to immerse themselves in the profound heritage of canal culture and the rich atmosphere of traditional festivals while they shop, highlighting the unique charm and vibrant energy of the Canal Grand Market as a rural cultural and tourism scene.”

Tongyun Bridge

Tongyun Bridge is a historic stone arch bridge located in the ancient city of Pingyao, Shanxi Province, China. Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), it served as a vital crossing over the Hui Ji River for centuries, facilitating trade and transport along the old merchant routes. Today, it stands as a well-preserved example of traditional Chinese bridge engineering and a cultural landmark within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pingyao.

Zhangjiawan Grand Market

Zhangjiawan Grand Market is a historic commercial hub located in Beijing’s Tongzhou District, dating back over a thousand years to the Tang and Song dynasties. It flourished as a critical terminal along the northern Grand Canal, facilitating trade in grain, timber, and other goods. Today, it is preserved as a cultural site reflecting Beijing’s historical role in water transport and commerce.

Canal Grand Market

The Canal Grand Market is a historic open-air market located along the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, New York. It was established in the late 19th century to serve the growing industrial neighborhood and has evolved into a vibrant community hub featuring local artisans, food vendors, and antique dealers. Today, it preserves the area’s working-class heritage while adapting as a popular weekend destination for shopping and cultural events.

Zhangjiawan Town

Zhangjiawan Town is a historic canal town located in Beijing’s Tongzhou District, serving for centuries as a crucial northern transport and storage hub for grain during the Ming and Qing dynasties due to its position at the southern terminus of the Grand Canal. Today, it is part of the Beijing Sub-Center development, with its historical waterways and cultural heritage being preserved and integrated into modern urban planning.

Tongzhou District

Tongzhou District is a suburban district of Beijing, historically known as the “gateway to the capital” due to its strategic location at the northern terminus of the Grand Canal. For centuries, it served as a crucial hub for grain transport and trade. Today, it is designated as Beijing’s sub-administrative center, undergoing rapid modern development while preserving historical sites like the ancient canal sections.

Nandahua Village

Nandahua Village is a traditional Yao ethnic minority village located in the mountainous region of Guangxi, China. It is renowned for its well-preserved wooden stilt houses, terraced fields, and rich cultural heritage, with a history dating back over a century as a secluded community. Today, it serves as a cultural tourism site where visitors can experience Yao customs, clothing, and agricultural traditions.

Shaijiu Alley

Shaijiu Alley is a historic lane located in Quanzhou, Fujian province, China, traditionally known for its production and trade of rice wine (known as “shāijiǔ”). It dates back to the Song Dynasty, reflecting the city’s importance as a major maritime hub along the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Today, it serves as a cultural and tourist attraction, preserving the architectural style and commercial heritage of old Quanzhou.

Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao Festival, is a traditional Chinese celebration marking the final day of the Lunar New Year festivities, dating back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty. It is characterized by the display of colorful lanterns, symbolizing the guiding of lost spirits and the illumination of the future. Key activities include solving riddles written on lanterns, eating sweet rice balls (*yuanxiao*), and enjoying lion dances.