When traveling to a long-awaited destination, besides admiring the local scenery, one also hopes to experience the local customs and culture. Wuzhong is the birthplace of Wu culture, where the folk traditions are as captivating as the landscapes of Taihu Lake.
These customs are like a fine vintage wine—initially light on the palate, but soon revealing a rich and lingering flavor that leaves a sense of happiness behind.
The Winter Solstice Festival, also known as the Winter Festival, is both one of the twenty-four solar terms and a traditional Chinese holiday. The Gusu area places great importance on this solar term, as the saying goes: “The Winter Solstice is as significant as the Lunar New Year.” The customs of the people in Gusu during the Winter Solstice are wonderfully diverse, marked by strong traces of the water town and warm, heartfelt traditions, all brimming with a sense of festive joy.
“It’s said the Winter Solstice is as grand as the New Year, when festive greetings are exchanged in fine attire. The customs of the ancient Wu region are truly beautiful—every family pays respects to their elders.” On the day of the Winter Solstice, younger members of families in the Wu region visit their elders to offer greetings, known as celebrating or paying respects to winter. All ceremonial rituals are similar to those of the Lunar New Year. These unique Winter Solstice traditions offer a different taste of Gusu.