The wafting aroma of Laba porridge filled the air in Hangzhou – capital of East China's Zhejiang province on Jan 7 – as the city celebrated the traditional Laba Festival.

The festival, rooted in Chinese folk culture, symbolizes the blessings of health and prosperity with a bowl of steaming hot porridge.

In Lin'an district's Zhaocun village, volunteers distributed Laba porridge to residents. Alongside the porridge, volunteers prepared festive couplets and "Fu" (good luck in Chinese) character posters, spreading warmth and holiday cheer.

A senior citizen in Zhaocun village, Lin'an district poses for photos with a volunteer after receiving a bowl of Laba porridge and a "Fu" character poster. [Photo/IC]

The festive spirit extended to Hefang Street, where hundreds of locals and tourists lined up outside the historic Fanghuichuntang pharmacy to receive free Laba porridge.

A senior citizen shows her Laba porridge distributed by Fanghuichuntang pharmary on Hefang Street, Hangzhou. [Photo/IC]

The event showcased the richness of traditional culture and shared heartfelt blessings for health and peace. 

At Huqingyutang, another historic pharmacy in Hangzhou, a similar scene unfolded.

Citizens smile after receiving free bowls of Laba porridge distributed by the Huqingyutang pharmacy. [Photo/IC]

The establishment followed age-old customs, distributing porridge made from 16 carefully selected ingredients – blending traditional Chinese medicine with culinary artistry.

Visitors relished the experience of receiving the warm gesture amid the winter chill.

The events are said to reflect Hangzhou's dedication to preserving its cultural heritage – bringing communities together through the simple yet profound tradition of sharing a bowl of porridge.

The colorful ingredients that go into Laba porridge. [Photo/IC]