2025 Spring Festival: Experience traditional boat banquets in southern China
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Imagine a floating feast surrounded by stunning scenery. 

China's historical water towns offer a truly unique dining experience: the boat banquet. 

Chen Yilin explores the history behind this culinary experience. 

Winding rivers, wooden boats, stone bridges... 

No one can miss a boat trip in an ancient Chinese water town. 

CHEN YILIN Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province "I'm now in Puyuan in Jiaxing city. This is a popular destination for many Chinese to celebrate the Chinese New Year. They come here not just for a boat ride, but for a truly unique experience: a boat banquet."

A table of delicacies at the backdrop of poetic scenery, this is what the boat banquet is about. 

CHEN YILIN Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province "Today, we'd like to bring you a taste of local boat banquet dishes."

Reporter: "Happy New Year!"

Chen Zhuo: "Happy new year."

Reporter: "These all look really delicious."

CHEN ZHUO Tour Guide "Our town is a typical Jiangnan watertown. You cannot miss any fish in our town's water."

That's right! 

In Chinese, the word for fish sounds similar to the word for abundant. 

So eating fish is thought to bring prosperity in the new year. 

Next up "the Eight Treasure Duck". 

The "treasure" refers to a variety of ingredients stuffed inside the duck. 

This dish offers a symphony of flavors and symbolizes wealth and good fortune. 

And now, the legendary Dongpo Pork, named after the renowned Song Dynasty poet, Su Dongpo. Legend has it that the locals presented him with pork and wine in gratitude for his service. Su, in turn, shared the cooked pork with the community, leading to the creation of Dongpo Pork. 

It is a testament to China's rich culinary heritage. 

Centuries ago, boat banquets emerged as a vibrant social event when waterways were the primary mode of transport. 

Today, they have evolved into a cherished leisure activity, where families and friends come together to celebrate, feast, and revel in the beauty of the water town. 

But that's not all these historical towns can offer. 

Visitors can immerse themselves in traditions, from exploring traditional Chinese attire to the intangible cultural heritage.

CHEN LINIAN Tourist "We can wear clothes from the Song Dynasty or sail boats. Most importantly, the spirit of the New Year remains vibrant, ensuring these traditions continue to thrive." 

Are you ready for an extraordinary Spring Festival experience? 

Just pack your bags and discover the magic of China's ancient water towns! 

Chen Yilin, CGTN, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.