Traditional delicacies such as zha jian dui, a sweet-tasting glutinous rice ball, is prepared as lucky food for Lunar New Year. [Photo by Yang Huanhao/For China Daily]

Following these sweet appetizers, a lavish feast termed jiu da gui-made of nine top local dishes, including steamed pork with taro, braised duck with ge gen, a vine, and boiled sliced chicken-is served. Liyuan Longdu Restaurant is one of the best places in Shaxi to taste the traditional dishes, according to Yang.

In the past, villagers couldn't afford such delicacies on ordinary days and only expected to have a bite during grand festivals.

"Now most people probably find such traditional dishes a bit greasy, but they are still must-have festival dishes to remind us of the old days," Yang says.

Tourists who know about lion dance and dragon dance, two art forms that simulate the movements of the two creatures, will enjoy crane dance shows in rural Zhongshan. All such shows require acrobatic skills and years of training from the performers, says Zheng Yongji, a veteran performer in Zhongshan.

Unlike lion dance and dragon dance, which require two or more performers to manipulate the props, crane dance is performed by one artist who wears a crane costume.

The performance mimics typical crane movements, ranging from seeking fish in streams to flapping wings. These days, a performer also dresses up as a small fish that the cranes eat, says Lin Fengqun, a member of Zhongshan's intangible cultural heritage committee.

Dating back around 200 years and accompanied by singing in the local dialect, the crane dance symbolizes the diligent locals' yearning for a better future, says Lin.

So, for those who are interested in less well-known Chinese tradition and culture, Zhongshan might be a good place to visit during the next Lunar New Year holiday.

Contact the writer at xufan@chinadaily.com.cn