By Jin Lu

As the Spring Festival approaches, Ningbo's historic Zhuangqiao Old Street has grown increasingly lively, with its long-running Wednesday Market drawing both local residents and visitors.

Zhuangqiao has a long trading history. The area developed into a town market during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), when trading days were held on a fixed schedule each month. The present-day Wednesday Market continues this tradition, reflecting the everyday commerce and cultural customs of the community.

On Jan 28, the market attracted large crowds to its more than 400 stalls, which sold festive decorations, seasonal foods, fresh produce and daily necessities. Among the visitors were 15 international students from Ningbo University, who toured the market and the nearby Muqingxuan Celadon Cultural Park to learn more about local Spring Festival traditions.

At a stall selling roasted nuts, a student from Mongolia paused at the pistachios. "My mother used to bring pistachios from Xinjiang when I was a child. They were my favorite," she said. Elsewhere, the students browsed spring couplets, red envelopes and lanterns, while learning about the customs and symbolism associated with the items.

The group also visited a historic riverside bridge linked to a local scholar who funded its construction. At Muqingxuan Celadon Cultural Park, they observed residents preparing traditional New Year foods and took part in activities such as making spring rolls and pounding rice cakes.

The visit concluded with a shared tea and meal around a small stove, with rice cakes and fruit — foods traditionally associated with good fortune and family reunion. The students also practiced calligraphy, writing the Chinese character "fu," meaning good fortune, and the character for "horse," the zodiac sign of the coming year.