Thousands of global travelers transformed Chengdu’s historic Qianmen Street into a buzzing cultural hub during the Spring Festival holiday, as the city’s annual 'long street feast' served up economic growth alongside its famed Sichuan delicacies. The eight-day event saw streets lined with over 200 food stalls and artisans, drawing visitors from across the Chinese mainland and international destinations.
Cultural performances including face-changing opera and bamboo weaving demonstrations created a 360-degree experience of Sichuan traditions. Local vendors reported up to 60% sales increases compared to regular weekends, with spicy hotpot ingredients and hand-painted lacquerware emerging as top sellers.
‘This year’s feast strategically combined food tourism with intangible cultural heritage displays,’ explained Li Wei, a Chengdu tourism official. ‘We’ve created over 1,500 temporary jobs while introducing global visitors to authentic local traditions.’
Digital nomads contributed to the event’s online visibility, with #LongStreetFeast trending across Chinese social platforms. The Chengdu Commerce Bureau estimates the festival generated $7.8 million in local business revenue, highlighting how cultural preservation can drive sustainable economic development.
Reference(s):
Traditional 'long street feast' drives local economy in Chengdu
cgtn.com
