People collect New Year couplets at an open air market during the Laba Festival in Tianjin, north China, Jan. 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)
TIANJIN, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- This year's Laba Festival falls on Monday, coinciding with the opening of the Lutai Market in Tianjin, north China. The market features traditional activities such as free distribution of Laba porridge, calligraphy of the character "Fu" for blessings, and a village chef competition, attracting numerous residents from surrounding areas.
Contestants attend a chef competition at an open air market during the Laba Festival in Tianjin, north China, Jan. 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)
People buy food at an open air market during the Laba Festival in Tianjin, north China, Jan. 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)
A staff member makes Laba porridge at an open air market during the Laba Festival in Tianjin, north China, Jan. 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)
People buy food at an open air market during the Laba Festival in Tianjin, north China, Jan. 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)
An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 26, 2026 shows an open air market during the Laba Festival in Tianjin, north China. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)
People select products at an open air market during the Laba Festival in Tianjin, north China, Jan. 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)■