(ECNS) — “Happy Spring Festival in Mampukuji Temple,” an event celebrating the Chinese New Year, kicked off on Saturday in Kyoto, offering a unique cultural experience to the Japanese people.

This was the first time that Spring Festival was showcased in the local area as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, following its inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

On the day of the event, lanterns with the Chinese character “fu” (fortune) and red decorations were displayed everywhere, while fun lantern riddles fluttered along the corridors of the main hall.

The most eye-catching display was a pair of auspicious snake lanterns and a wall with “fu” posters right in front of the main hall. Visitors wrote their own “fu” characters and hung them on the wall.

Classic folk customs such as solving lantern riddles and playing cuju (an ancient form of football) also attracted a large crowd of participants. Visitors could collect “fu” cards by engaging in the folk activities, earning the chance to exchange them for ring toss opportunities. The scene was filled with laughter and joy as families competed for prizes.

At the event, visitors enjoyed various authentic Chinese foods. A popular highlight was the tea-drinking experience area, where people gathered around a stove to sip tea and eat snacks, enjoying the cozy winter vibe.

Nearby, a 3D sugar blowing printer caught many people’s attention, as they eagerly waited to taste the creations. Dumplings and sweet glutinous rice dumplings were also served, offering warmth and tasty treats for everyone.

The event was jointly organized by the China National Tourist Office in Osaka and Mampukuji Temple, attracting nearly a thousand Japanese participants. This event not only offered the Japanese people an immersive Chinese New Year experience but also promoted cultural exchange, showcasing the shared pursuit of joy and harmony between the peoples of China and Japan.