Children across China have been learning and experiencing Chinese traditions to celebrate the Laba Festival, which falls on January 18 this year. The festival is regarded as a prelude to Chinese New Year. On this day, people enjoy a bowl of Laba congee with family and friends in a time-honored tradition to ward off the cold and stay healthy during winter. Laba congee usually contains at least eight ingredients: glutinous rice, red beans, millet, Chinese sorghum, peas, dried lotus seeds and other treats like dried dates or chestnuts.