I left Xunxian county, Henan province, when I was 3. Thus my impression of the county comes from a few visits during Spring Festival.

The two main streets, which meet at the Drum and Bell Tower in the town center, are lined with peddlers selling colorful food, clothes and toys around this time.

People here have maintained their deep-rooted traditions. Almost every family makes piles of steamed buns dotted with jujube. They offer these to various deities, like the God of Stove, before carrying them in a basket to visit relatives and friends.

Porridge made with maize flour seems to be the standard companion of steamed buns for breakfast. Although I tried it several times, I just didn't like it as much as my grandma did.

The most exciting time for people in Xunxian is when visitors from nearby counties arrive about a week into the Spring Festival. Grand temple fairs are held in the Dapi and Fuqiu hills to the east and south of the county and last for more than two weeks.

Local farmers spend the leisure days after the autumn harvest practicing Yuju and Hebei Bangzi operas, which they perform at the temple fairs in what looks like a competition.