Visitors shop for Spring Festival at historic Nanzuo Market

陈小将

People buy goods and food from merchants at Nanzuo Market in Yuanshi county, Shijiazhuang, Hebei province. [Photo by Liang Zidong/For chinadaily.com.cn]
With the Spring Festival approaching, people have been busy preparing for the Chinese Lunar New Year by purchasing New Year goods and delicious food at markets in Yuanshi county, Shijiazhuang, Hebei province.

The Nanzuo Market, which originated during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), boasts a long history and a large scale with abundant goods.

It has been known as the "Number One Market of Taihang" and has attracted many visitors who come to experience the local customs and feel the festive atmosphere. Taihang refers to the Taihang Mountains, which partly sit in Hebei.