As the 2026 Chinese New Year approaches, Otog Banner's New Year fair has come alive with vibrant energy. The bustling fair, filled with shoppers preparing for the celebrations, exudes a rich and festive atmosphere.

Crowds weave through the lively marketplace, selecting their favorite New Year specialties from an array of colorful goods. At the cooked food section, smoked chicken, pork shoulder, and pig trotters are neatly displayed—tender, aromatic, and irresistibly flavorful—drawing eager buyers one after another.

"We run our own slaughterhouse, so all our cooked goods are freshly made—no frozen meat here. As the New Year approaches, business is booming," says vendor Yang Shuai, beaming with joy as he skillfully attends to customers and packs orders.

Half the joy of fair-going lies in stocking up; the other half lies in savoring the moment. On-site, golden gao quan (fried dough rings) and oil cakes sizzle in hot oil, their crispy skins puffing up to a perfect golden brown. The sound of crackling oil and the mouthwatering aroma fill the air, spreading the unmistakable taste of the season.

"Our products are all handmade—healthy, nutritious, and available for free tasting," says vendor Liu Yuxia cheerfully. "Both the elderly and children love these traditional treats. With the festival just around the corner, everyone’s stocking up early."

From fresh produce and festive decorations to daily essentials and local snacks, the fair offers everything shoppers need for one-stop New Year purchasing. It has truly become Otog Banner's most beloved gathering place for the flavor and spirit of the Chinese new year.