People across China bid farewell to a year dominated by a pandemic with sighs of relief, traditional festivities and of course, masks.

In Anchang Ancient Town, east China's Zhejiang Province, visitors savored preserved meat, which are traditionally prepared in the lead-up to the new year. Cured cuts of meat dangled from bamboo poles outside riverside shops in the water town, enticing passersby to give them a try.

"Many folk customs, snacks and desserts remind us of the taste of our childhood. It is warm and delightful. You can't find this New Year atmosphere in other cities. I love it," said Ying Hua, a visitor from Shanghai.

In another water town, Minghe, Zhejiang Province, sampled rice cakes, which are considered lucky foods in Chinese culture because they're homonym for "higher year." It's believed that having them at the start of the year is conducive to progress in life.

Minghe rice cakes also symbolize wishes for a good harvest and a better year ahead.

Meanwhile, visitors in traditional Chinese outfits, or hanfu, released lanterns inscribed with well wishes on water to mark the arrival of 2021 in Zhuge Ancient Town, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

"In 2020, many heroes fighting at the front line against the pandemic made great sacrifices for us. The first meaning of laying the lanterns is gratitude. We should thank them for their dedication. The second meaning is to pray. We wish for a better life in the year ahead," said one visitor.