Rural Chongqing: A Spring Festival Journey

My Spring Festival in Rural China Chongqing

Destination:ChinaProvince:ChongqingCity:Longju
My Spring Festival in Rural China Chongqing
Honglin Li2024-02-1822 min

In this episode, with my dad and my grandma, we went to our hometowns of Longju (龙驹镇) and Lishu (梨树乡) in Chongqing. During the spring festival season, we explored the town, enjoyed the village life and revisited the old home which my grandparents built in the 1970s. We went to the morning market in Longju town during the Spring Festival. We bought sweet potato noodles and other New Year's goods to prepare for New Year's Eve dinner. We also witnessed rural weddings and experienced the unique atmosphere of the festival. Our journey continued to Lishu, along a long and winding road. We saw the making of preserved ham, learned why we don't drink pig milk, and pulled out carrots. We revisited my grandparents' old dirt house, which evoked a strong sense of nostalgia.

--- Honglin Li
February 18, 2024, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Chinese New Year back in home
  2. 0:53Intro
  3. 1:45Spring Festival & Morning Market in Longju town
  4. 3:18Buying sweet potato noodles
  5. 5:00Buying new year's good and preparing for New Year's Eve dinner
  6. 6:48Rural weddings
  7. 10:20What is Spring Festival
  8. 11:40Long and winding road to Lishu(梨树乡)
  9. 13:44Making of the preserved ham in Rural china
  10. 14:50Why we don't drink pig milk?
  11. 16:17Pull out carrots
  12. 17:14Grand parents' dirt house
  13. 20:05Nostalgia
  14. 21:40Next episode preview

Honglin Li's heartwarming rural China trip reveals the beauty of family traditions and the emotional depth of homecoming during Spring Festival. A nostalgic journey through Chongqing's countryside.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Visit local markets during the Spring Festival to experience the vibrant atmosphere and purchase unique New Year's goods. Engage with local vendors and learn about their products and traditions. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and sample regional delicacies. (2:15)
  2. Tip 2If you're lucky enough to be in a rural area during the Spring Festival, you might witness a traditional wedding procession. This is a unique opportunity to observe local customs and traditions. Take photos and videos to capture this special event. (6:39)
  3. Tip 3Learn about the traditional methods of making preserved meats, a winter specialty in China. This is a hands-on experience that allows you to learn about food preservation techniques and the cultural significance of food during the Spring Festival. (13:49)
  4. Tip 4Discover interesting facts about local animals and their significance in rural life. Ask locals questions and learn about their unique perspectives. You'll be surprised by what you discover. (15:31)
  5. Tip 5Visit old houses in rural areas to experience the history and architecture of the region. Talk to locals and learn about the history of the houses and the people who lived there. It's a way to connect with the past and understand the evolution of the community. (17:15)

Honglin Li's Spring Festival journey to rural Chongqing is a poignant exploration of family, tradition, and the enduring spirit of home. Witness the vibrant energy of a rural Chinese New Year, from bustling markets overflowing with fresh produce and local delicacies to the intimate celebrations within a family. Explore the evolution of a small town, contrasting its past with its present, and feel the weight of history and the warmth of family connections. A truly moving experience of cultural immersion.

More about the current video:( 5 / 18 )

My Spring Festival in Rural China Chongqing

This video documents Honglin Li's personal journey back to his family's hometowns of Longju and Lishu in rural Chongqing during the Chinese Spring Festival. The video beautifully captures the unique atmosphere of the festival in a rural setting, far removed from the bustling city life. Honglin, along with his father and grandmother, explores the local markets, witnessing the preparation for the New Year's Eve dinner, purchasing sweet potato noodles and other festive goods. The vibrant morning market scene is a highlight, showcasing the local farmers selling their fresh produce. The video also captures the heartwarming interactions with family and neighbors, highlighting the strong sense of community during the festival. A rural wedding procession adds to the festive atmosphere, offering a glimpse into local traditions.

The journey continues to Lishu, where Honglin and his family visit his grandparents' old house, a poignant reminder of the past. The old dirt house, though empty, evokes strong feelings of nostalgia and family history. They explore the house, reminiscing about its past inhabitants and the lives they led. The video also shows the traditional methods of making preserved meats, a significant part of the Spring Festival celebrations. The process, from selecting the ingredients to smoking the meat, is depicted in detail.

The video includes a humorous anecdote about why pig's milk isn't consumed, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the narrative. The journey through the countryside offers breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape, highlighting the beauty of rural China. Honglin shares his personal insights and reflections on his experience, expressing his connection to his roots and the emotional significance of returning home. The video concludes with a sense of reflection, as Honglin contemplates the meaning of 'hometown' and the lasting impact of his journey. It's a deeply personal and moving account of a family's celebration of the Spring Festival in rural China, blending personal experiences with cultural insights and a profound sense of nostalgia.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most memorable part of your Spring Festival trip?
A: Definitely visiting my grandparents' old house. It was so nostalgic, seeing where my dad grew up and the way they lived. It felt like stepping back in time.
Q: What was the most surprising thing you encountered?
A: Probably the bustling morning market and the variety of local goods. And also seeing that rural wedding parade - that was pretty special!
Q: What's your favorite food you tried?
A: The sweet potato noodles were amazing! They looked like shining leather and tasted yummy!

Rural Chongqing: A Spring Festival Journey

In this episode, with my dad and my grandma, we went to our hometowns of Longju (龙驹镇) and Lishu (梨树乡) in Chongqing. During the spring festival season, we explored the town, enjoyed the village life and revisited the old home which my grandparents built in the 1970s. 0:00 Chinese New Year back in...

Rural Chongqing Spring Festival: Family, Tradition & Nostalgia

Honglin Li's heartwarming Spring Festival journey takes us to her family's hometowns of Longju and Lishu in rural Chongqing. Witness the vibrant morning market, the preparation for New Year's Eve dinner, and the unique charm of rural weddings. Explore the countryside, learn about the making of preserved ham, and share in the nostalgia as she revisits her grandparents' home. A captivating glimpse into Chinese traditions and family bonds.

Attractions in this video: Morning Market