Chinese New Year festive vibe spreads in former poor localities

Spring Festival is just two weeks away. After China won a decisive victory in combating poverty in 2020 after years of efforts, Chinese people around the country, especially those in poverty-alleviation areas, are preparing for the biggest celebration of the year with extra flare.

The festive calendar spans for 15 days, starting on the first day of the first lunar month and there are many activities set up to welcome the Lunar New Year. 

CGTN Culture presents you the poverty-alleviation localities that have a strong Chinese New Year festive vibe.

An Ansai waist drum performance troupe walk in Ansai of Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, February 14, 2013. /CFP

People perform Ansai waist drum dance in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, February 22, 2013. /CFP

People perform Ansai waist drum dance in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, February 22, 2013. /CFP

A boy with an Ansai waist drum walks in Ansai of Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, February 14, 2013. /CFP

The photo shows girls with Ansai waist drums in Ansai of Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, February 14, 2013. /CFP

Ansai in Shaanxi Province: Ansai waist drum dance

The Ansai waist drum has a long history of over 2,000 years. Although currently a district of Yan'an City, Ansai was once a frontier town facing threats from the nomadic tribes to the north. The drums were used to warn soldiers of invading enemy, boost their morale, and celebrate victory.

Today, the Ansai waist drum has developed into an art form for locals to perform during festivals such as the Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival, and is popular in both Yan'an and Yulin.