Keeping Tradition Alive: A Manchu family and their reunion

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02:25

China's 1.4 billion people all usher in the new year in their own way. One ethnic group that clings quite lovingly to its rich traditions - China's Manchu people. CGTN's Guan Yang visited one such family from Liaoning Province.

Greeting the new year with firecrackers. This is a family reunion bringing together 4 generations. After playing with his granddaughter, 53-year-old Xing Yanjie rushed to the local market to get snacks for the family. And in less than 2 weeks, he will have another grandchild to love and spoil.

XING YANJIE, LOCAL MANCHU LIAONING PROVINCE "My daughter in law likes hazelnuts and frozen pears, I bought these just for her."

The family runs a hostel in Hetuala city, known as the birth place of Manchu culture. From the brick beds to couplets written in Manchu language, the house has been a cultural showcase.

GUAN YANG LIAONING PROVINCE "Nowadays, lunar new year preparations by Manchu people are similar to those of Hans, and the fusion of cuisines from these two can be seen in one of the most iconic dishes from China's northeast - the glutinous buns. It is easy to preserve and gives you enough energy throughout the long and harsh winter."

While the family members dress up in their ethnic clothes - cheongsam, Xing is hard at work preparing the feast of Manchu, the 'eight plates and eight bowls'.

XING YANJIE, LOCAL MANCHU LIAONING PROVINCE "There are not many places left today that allow visitors to discover the authentic customs of Manchu. My new year's wish is that more people from around the world will visit our hostel and that they pass along Manchu culture to future generations."

Other than building cultural confidence, Xing also believes that environmental awareness and tourism development can go hand in hand.

XING YANJIE, LOCAL MANCHU LIAONING PROVINCE "Look around the villages here, you hardly see any garbage, thanks to the trash classification project carried out a few years back. I think this is an example of why green is gold, and how being green can bring more businesses."

GUAN YANG, CGTN, Xinbin Manchu Autonomous County.