New Year's Day separates the past and future. This special day is a blessed and auspicious day. Zhouzhuang has celebrated this traditional holiday in a unique way for 900 years. Recreational activities such as dragon and lion dances were held to pray for a smooth and good harvest next year.

Gorgeous lanterns were decorated in front of the old archway on the morning of New Year's Day. The scene was lively, cheerful and fun. Friends from all over the world gathered together in Zhouzhuang to spend New Year's Day together.

The grand opening ceremony was hosted by an actor who played Shen Wansan, a famous historical figure from Zhouzhuang and a Jiangnan tycoon. He was surrounded by crowds of people and walked to the archway slowly. Servants offered tributes. Shen lit incense, saluted and read an elegiac address. Afterwards, Shen declared the opening of Zhouzhuang. The red gates were opened gradually as the sounds of a gong and drum filled the air. Confetti fell and firecrackers boomed. The attendants all received blessings for the New Year.

After the opening ceremony, people were invited on a tour of Zhouzhuang. The tourists brought their best wishes to all passersby they met on the way. On New Year's Day, the first visitor, the first foreign visitor and the first tourist group to reach Zhouzhuang received special gifts from the host.

With the increase of evening leisure activities, more and more tourists chose to stay for one or more nights. The hotel occupancy in the scenic spot reached its capacity during the New Year’s holiday. Visitors who arrived via their own cars accounted for more than half of all the guests.

The opening ceremony was a splendid start to the New Year. More shows will be performed during Spring Festival to bring an authentic Chinese New Year to visitors.