On December 31, 2023, a New Year’s Day blessing activity, which was themed as “Tianmu Mountain Covered in Lush Greenery and Wuyue Kingdom History Passed Down for 1,000 Years”, was held at the Archaeological Site Park of the Wuyue Kings Mausoleum. Citizens and tourists struck the bell to pray for blessings, went for a stroll in the intangible cultural heritage market and welcome the arrival of the New Year together.

At 9 o’clock in the morning, the Archaeological Site Park of the Wuyue Kings Mausoleum, decorated with lanterns and colored hangings, was already swarmed by people. Accompanied by the sound of beating drums, a grand New Year blessing ceremony was taking place. Artists created a symphony of chime, shakuhachi and Guzheng, forming the sound of Wuyue Kingdom history that echoed for a long time; then, by performing splendid dragon dances, reciting family instructions and welcoming the New Year, the rich Wuyue Kingdom culture that has lasted for more than 1,000 years was brought back to life. The representative of the citizens stepped forward and struck the bell to pray for blessings. The passionate performances were accompanied by the rich sound of the bell, conveying good luck and blessings. “The activity is aimed at giving everyone a sense of ritual of the New Year’s blessing ceremony. The activities have made us feel the charm of traditional Chinese culture.” Citizen Zhang Jingqian said, “I hope our country is prosperous and the people are safe, and everyone can be happier!"

The “Five Blessings (Fu)” activities were organized at the event site for people to pray for the New Year, including Zhuang Fu, Ji Fu, Qi Fu, Na Fu and Chao Fu. With the theme of “Fu”, citizens and tourists embarked on a journey of gathering various blessings, accumulating abundant blessings for the New Year. “Our lives are undergoing significant changes now, the food, clothing, housing and transport conditions are very good and the scenery is getting more pleasant.” Citizen Qian Ying said with emotion, “I wish our great motherland prosperity forever, and the lives of the common people will become increasingly better.”

On the other side of the park, the intangible cultural heritage market was also bustling with people. Nearly 20 intangible cultural heritage stalls served a bewildering variety of beautiful, useful, delicious and fun products, which were all dazzling and dizzying. Paper cuttings, Lin’an tree-root carvings, Tianmu wood carvings and chicken-blood stone carvings fully demonstrated the beauty of traditional culture. People watched the exhibition of intangible cultural heritage techniques, tasted intangible cultural heritage cuisine, played folk games and immersed themselves in the New Year atmosphere. “The market is particularly lively, giving us the opportunity to learn about intangible cultural heritage techniques in person.” As a tree-root carving enthusiast, citizen Li Mingxing has collected many intangible cultural heritage treasures at the site. “I hope these folk handicrafts can be passed down continuously to help us retain nostalgia.”

It is learned that during the New Year’s Day period, Lin’an has launched a series of brilliant cultural and tourism activities, including garden parties and New Year’s blessings activities, etc. to offer wonderful cultural and tourism feast to the general public and tourists.