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A festive hotpot feast brings residents together to celebrate Little New Year's Eve in Shaoxing. [Photo/Tide News]

A warm and lively "Hotpot Reunion Feast for 100" unfolded at Ying'enmen in Yuecheng district, Shaoxing, on Feb 10, the 23rd day of the 12th month on the Chinese calendar — traditionally known as Little New Year's Eve in southern China. Twenty Chinese-style square tables were arranged in neat rows as locals gathered around charcoal-heated copper pots to share a meal. 

The hotpot feast was fully booked two days in advance. As a key venue of the 2026 Celebrating Chinese New Year in Shaoxing Ancient City event, Ying'enmen has creatively blended traditional Chinese New Year customs with the modern trend of gathering around the stove. While diners enjoyed their meals, a mesmerizing performance unfolded on the canal. Dancers moved gracefully with flaming torches, their reflections shimmering in the water against a backdrop of traditional music — creating a poetic scene where fire and water converged under the night sky.

According to the organizers, the feast was more than just a meal — it was an immersive cultural experience that invited participation through taste, sight, and touch. During the Spring Festival holiday, Ying'enmen will host a series of festive events, offering both residents and visitors an unforgettable Shaoxing-style Chinese New Year celebration.