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Residents and fishermen pull in a net, reviving the traditional custom of catching fish in the 12th month on the Chinese calendar. [Photo/Tide News]

A festive Chinese New Year market was held at Zhijiang Park in Lingzhi subdistrict, Shaoxing, as part of the 2026 "Celebrating Chinese New Year in Shaoxing Ancient City" event.

This sub-venue centered on the theme of fish, reviving the traditional water-town custom of catching fish in the 12th month of the Chinese calendar and sharing the catch in the first month, offering residents and visitors an authentic Shaoxing Chinese New Year experience.

Fishing boats docked with their holds full of fish as residents and fishermen worked together to haul in the nets, creating a lively scene as the fish leaped and shimmered. Hundreds of kilograms of fresh catches were distributed to 10 of the market's most popular vendors, symbolizing auspicious wishes for abundance in the new year.

Visitors explore a range of local products at the festive market. [Photo/Tide News]

The event also featured a fish-sharing feast, where local chefs prepared classic Shaoxing dishes with freshly caught fish, including vinegar-braised fish head and crispy fried fish, attracting many visitors to savor local flavors.

The market featured more than 30 specialty stalls showcasing Lingzhi products, with festivities further enriched by traditional performances such as waist drum dancing and lion dances. Interactive experience zones also allowed families to make zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and rice dough, immersing themselves in the warmth of traditional Chinese New Year customs through hands-on activities.