CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- As the Spring Festival approaches, Chongqing is filled with vibrant new decorations celebrating the Year of the Snake. From bustling streets and scenic spots to shopping malls, the city has been immersed in the festive atmosphere, offering locals and visitors an immersive cultural and tourism experience.

At the Chongqing Open Port Relics Park, a lantern-adorned bamboo tunnel stands out for its unique design, blending historical charm with modern art. Visitors can walk through the tunnel and soak in the joyful atmosphere of the New Year. Meanwhile, Chongqing Skyland hosts a spectacular Snake Year Lantern Festival, where traditional folk customs meet contemporary creativity. A dazzling array of Snake Year-themed lanterns attracts both locals and tourists, adding a touch of magic to the city's celebrations. In Nan’an District, traditional red lanterns and the playful “Yu Xiao Yi” elements (a spring-themed mascot for the Year of the Snake) decorate major areas, including the Yangtze River Bridge, Nanbin Road, and other key spots along the main roads.

In the commercial districts, large-scale Snake-Year-themed installations are turning heads. At MixC Mall, a grand golden snake sculpture crafted from shimmering lights and metallic materials has towers in the atrium, surrounded by decorative cloud shapes and twinkling light trees. The installation, along with hanging “Fu” plaques themed for the New Year, creates a futuristic and stylish atmosphere, making it a perfect photo op for visitors. Meanwhile, at Longfor Times Paradise Walk, the theme “Cute Snakes Celebrate Spring” takes center stage. Cartoon snake characters, holding red envelopes or wearing festive scarves, are displayed at various mall entrances and walkways. These snake figures blend beautifully with red lanterns and Chinese knots, offering warm New Year blessings to all who pass by.

In Wulong, the Fairy Mountain scenic area has also embraced the Snake Year with themed decorations. At the visitor reception center and key viewing platforms, visitors can marvel at ice sculptures depicting snake motifs. The clear, glistening ice shines in the sunlight, contrasting with the surrounding snowy landscape, creating a unique winter New Year scene. The resort has also introduced Snake Year-themed skiing activities, with colorful flags adorned with snake patterns lining the slopes, adding to the festive vibe. In the Changshou Lake scenic area, a grand water-based Snake Year prayer platform has been set up on the lake’s surface. Visitors can take a boat ride and tie a red ribbon inscribed with their New Year’s wishes, hoping for peace and prosperity in the year ahead.

In Fuling District, the Mexin Wine Town has constructed Chongqing’s first indoor 3D mechanical amusement park beneath the famous Mexin Colours Hotel. It offers an innovative interactive experience for families, featuring professional role-playing and storytelling zones. During the Spring Festival holiday, nearly 50 different amusement projects will be available for visitors, including thrilling rides like “Waves and Wind” and “Desert Adventure Roller Coaster”, and a stunning “Dome Cinema” offering a 3D visual feast.

Cultural venues across Chongqing are adding an extra layer of festive charm. The Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum is hosting the “Golden Snake Brings Good Fortune” exhibition, which opened on January 14. This fascinating showcase features 115 items related to the snake and traditional Spring Festival customs, including intriguing stories about “the Ba snake swallowing an elephant” and “snake-headed humans”. At the Chongqing Art Museum, an exhibition centered on the Snake Year is also on display to offer a unique artistic experience for visitors, featuring works by artists who have captured the elegance and mystery of snakes through paintings and sculptures.

The dense display of Snake Year elements has not only enriched the city with festive spirit but also provided locals and tourists with an exciting array of New Year experiences. These vibrant celebrations inject new life into Chongqing’s cultural tourism scene, making it a must-visit destination during the Spring Festival holiday. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)