Chinese New Year down the years for locals

A visitor admires pictures at an exhibition at Shanghai Library yesterday. The pictures show scenes of how some local residents celebrated their first new year festival after moving into their new homes. The exhibition, called “Our Chinese New Year,” displays traditional local customs and tells stories about the Spring Festival, reflecting on how Shanghai people’s life has changed since the reforms and opening up nearly 40 years ago. The upcoming Chinese New Year begins on February 16. 

Feng Jianzhong, a 58-year-old collector, arranges his collection of moulds used to make niangao, a delicacy made from glutinous rice and especially prepared for the Spring Festival, at the exhibition venue, which has been festooned with traditional lanterns containing riddles written inside. Eating the cake of glutinous rice flour is said to help improve all aspects of people’s life. It is usually served on the first day of the new year. The exhibition is free and runs through Wednesday.